Collapse to view only § 1.26 - Appearances.

General

§ 1.1 - Proceedings before the Commission.

The Commission may on its own motion or petition of any interested party hold such proceedings as it may deem necessary from time to time in connection with the investigation of any matter which it has power to investigate under the law, or for the purpose of obtaining information necessary or helpful in the determination of its policies, the carrying out of its duties or the formulation or amendment of its rules and regulations. For such purposes it may subpena witnesses and require the production of evidence. Procedures to be followed by the Commission shall, unless specifically prescribed in this part, be such as in the opinion of the Commission will best serve the purposes of such proceedings.

(Sec. 403, 48 Stat. 1094; 47 U.S.C. 403)

§ 1.2 - Declaratory rulings.

(a) The Commission may, in accordance with section 5(d) of the Administrative Procedure Act, on motion or on its own motion issue a declaratory ruling terminating a controversy or removing uncertainty.

(b) The bureau or office to which a petition for declaratory ruling has been submitted or assigned by the Commission should docket such a petition within an existing or current proceeding, depending on whether the issues raised within the petition substantially relate to an existing proceeding. The bureau or office then should seek comment on the petition via public notice. Unless otherwise specified by the bureau or office, the filing deadline for responsive pleadings to a docketed petition for declaratory ruling will be 30 days from the release date of the public notice, and the default filing deadline for any replies will be 15 days thereafter.

[76 FR 24390, May 2, 2011]

§ 1.3 - Suspension, amendment, or waiver of rules.

The provisions of this chapter may be suspended, revoked, amended, or waived for good cause shown, in whole or in part, at any time by the Commission, subject to the provisions of the Administrative Procedure Act and the provisions of this chapter. Any provision of the rules may be waived by the Commission on its own motion or on petition if good cause therefor is shown.

Cross Reference:

See subpart C of this part for practice and procedure involving rulemaking.

§ 1.4 - Computation of time.

(a) Purpose. The purpose of this rule section is to detail the method for computing the amount of time within which persons or entities must act in response to deadlines established by the Commission. It also applies to computation of time for seeking both reconsideration and judicial review of Commission decisions. In addition, this rule section prescribes the method for computing the amount of time within which the Commission must act in response to deadlines established by statute, a Commission rule, or Commission order.

(b) General Rule—Computation of Beginning Date When Action is Initiated by Commission or Staff. Unless otherwise provided, the first day to be counted when a period of time begins with an action taken by the Commission, an Administrative Law Judge or by members of the Commission or its staff pursuant to delegated authority is the day after the day on which public notice of that action is given. See § 1.4(b) (1)-(5) of this section. Unless otherwise provided, all Rules measuring time from the date of the issuance of a Commission document entitled “Public Notice” shall be calculated in accordance with this section. See § 1.4(b)(4) of this section for a description of the “Public Notice” document. Unless otherwise provided in § 1.4 (g) and (h) of this section, it is immaterial whether the first day is a “holiday.” For purposes of this section, the term public notice means the date of any of the following events: See § 1.4(e)(1) of this section for definition of “holiday.”

(1) For all documents in notice and comment and non-notice and comment rulemaking proceedings required by the Administrative Procedure Act, 5 U.S.C. 552, 553, to be published in the Federal Register, including summaries thereof, the date of publication in the Federal Register.

Note to paragraph (b)(1):

Licensing and other adjudicatory decisions with respect to specific parties that may be associated with or contained in rulemaking documents are governed by the provisions of § 1.4(b)(2).

Example 1:A document in a Commission rule making proceeding is published in the Federal Register on Wednesday, May 6, 1987. Public notice commences on Wednesday, May 6, 1987. The first day to be counted in computing the beginning date of a period of time for action in response to the document is Thursday, May 7, 1987, the “day after the day” of public notice. Example 2:Section 1.429(e) provides that when a petition for reconsideration is timely filed in proper form, public notice of its filing is published in the Federal Register. Section 1.429(f) provides that oppositions to a petition for reconsideration shall be filed within 15 days after public notice of the petition's filing in the Federal Register. Public notice of the filing of a petition for reconsideration is published in the Federal Register on Wednesday, June 10, 1987. For purposes of computing the filing period for an opposition, the first day to be counted is Thursday, June 11, 1987, which is the day after the date of public notice. Therefore, oppositions to the reconsideration petition must be filed by Thursday, June 25, 1987, 15 days later.

(2) For non-rulemaking documents released by the Commission or staff, including the Commission's section 271 determinations, 47 U.S.C. 271, the release date.

Example 3:The Chief, Mass Media Bureau, adopts an order on Thursday, April 2, 1987. The text of that order is not released to the public until Friday, April 3, 1987. Public notice of this decision is given on Friday, April 3, 1987. Saturday, April 4, 1987, is the first day to be counted in computing filing periods.

(3) For rule makings of particular applicability, if the rule making document is to be published in the Federal Register and the Commission so states in its decision, the date of public notice will commence on the day of the Federal Register publication date. If the decision fails to specify Federal Register publication, the date of public notice will commence on the release date, even if the document is subsequently published in the Federal Register. See Declaratory Ruling, 51 FR 23059 (June 25, 1986).

Example 4:An order establishing an investigation of a tariff, and designating issues to be resolved in the investigation, is released on Wednesday, April 1, 1987, and is published in the Federal Register on Friday, April 10, 1987. If the decision itself specifies Federal Register publication, the date of public notice is Friday, April 10, 1987. If this decision does not specify Federal Register publication, public notice occurs on Wednesday, April 1, 1987, and the first day to be counted in computing filing periods is Thursday, April 2, 1987.

(4) If the full text of an action document is not to be released by the Commission, but a descriptive document entitled “Public Notice” describing the action is released, the date on which the descriptive “Public Notice” is released.

Example 5:At a public meeting the Commission considers an uncontested application to transfer control of a broadcast station. The Commission grants the application and does not plan to issue a full text of its decision on the uncontested matter. Five days after the meeting, a descriptive “Public Notice” announcing the action is publicly released. The date of public notice commences on the day of the release date. Example 6:A Public Notice of petitions for rule making filed with the Commission is released on Wednesday, September 2, 1987; public notice of these petitions is given on September 2, 1987. The first day to be counted in computing filing times is Thursday, September 3, 1987.

(5) If a document is neither published in the Federal Register nor released, and if a descriptive document entitled “Public Notice” is not released, the date appearing on the document sent (e.g., mailed, telegraphed, etc.) to persons affected by the action.

Example 7:A Bureau grants a license to an applicant, or issues a waiver for non-conforming operation to an existing licensee, and no “Public Notice” announcing the action is released. The date of public notice commences on the day appearing on the license mailed to the applicant or appearing on the face of the letter granting the waiver mailed to the licensee.

(c) General Rule—Computation of Beginning Date When Action is Initiated by Act, Event or Default. Commission procedures frequently require the computation of a period of time where the period begins with the occurrence of an act, event or default and terminates a specific number of days thereafter. Unless otherwise provided, the first day to be counted when a period of time begins with the occurrence of an act, event or default is the day after the day on which the act, event or default occurs.

Example 8:Commission Rule § 21.39(d) requires the filing of an application requesting consent to involuntary assignment or control of the permit or license within thirty days after the occurrence of the death or legal disability of the licensee or permittee. If a licensee passes away on Sunday, March 1, 1987, the first day to be counted pursuant to § 1.4(c) is the day after the act or event. Therefore, Monday, March 2, 1987, is the first day of the thirty day period specified in § 21.39(d).

(d) General Rule—Computation of Terminal Date. Unless otherwise provided, when computing a period of time the last day of such period of time is included in the computation, and any action required must be taken on or before that day.

Example 9:Paragraph 1.4(b)(1) of this section provides that “public notice” in a notice and comment rule making proceeding begins on the day of Federal Register publication. Paragraph 1.4(b) of this section provides that the first day to be counted in computing a terminal date is the “day after the day” on which public notice occurs. Therefore, if the commission allows or requires an action to be taken 20 days after public notice in the Federal Register, the first day to be counted is the day after the date of the Federal Register publication. Accordingly, if the Federal Register document is published on Thursday, July 23, 1987, public notice is given on Thursday, July 23, and the first day to be counted in computing a 20 day period is Friday, July 24, 1987. The 20th day or terminal date upon which action must be taken is Wednesday, August 12, 1987.

(e) Definitions for purposes of this section:

(1) The term holiday means Saturday, Sunday, officially recognized Federal legal holidays and any other day on which the Commission's Headquarters are closed and not reopened prior to 5:30 p.m., or on which a Commission office aside from Headquarters is closed (but, in that situation, the holiday will apply only to filings with that particular office). For example, a regularly scheduled Commission business day may become a holiday with respect to the entire Commission if Headquarters is closed prior to 5:30 p.m. due to adverse weather, emergency or other closing. Additionally, a regularly scheduled Commission business day may become a holiday with respect to a particular Commission office aside from Headquarters if that office is closed prior to 5:30 p.m. due to similar circumstances.

Note to paragraph (e)(1):

As of August 1987, officially recognized Federal legal holidays are New Year's Day, January 1; Martin Luther King's Birthday, third Monday in January; Washington's Birthday, third Monday in February; Memorial Day, last Monday in May; Independence Day, July 4; Labor Day, first Monday in September; Columbus Day, second Monday in October; Veterans Day, November 11; Thanksgiving Day, fourth Thursday in November; Christmas Day, December 25. If a legal holiday falls on Saturday or Sunday, the holiday is taken, respectively, on the preceding Friday or the following Monday. In addition, January 20, (Inauguration Day) following a Presidential election year is a legal holiday in the metropolitan Washington, DC area. If Inauguration Day falls on Sunday, the next succeeding day is a legal holiday. See 5 U.S.C. 6103; Executive Order No. 11582, 36 FR 2957 (Feb. 11, 1971). The determination of a “holiday” will apply only to the specific Commission location(s) designated as on “holiday” on that particular day.

(2) The term business day means all days, including days when the Commission opens later than the time specified in Rule § 0.403, which are not “holidays” as defined above.

(3) The term filing period means the number of days allowed or prescribed by statute, rule, order, notice or other Commission action for filing any document with the Commission. It does not include any additional days allowed for filing any document pursuant to paragraphs (g), (h) and (j) of this section.

(4) The term filing date means the date upon which a document must be filed after all computations of time authorized by this section have been made.

(f) Except as provided in § 0.401(b) of this chapter, all petitions, pleadings, tariffs or other documents not required to be accompanied by a fee and which are hand-carried must be tendered for filing in complete form, as directed by the Commission's rules, with the Office of the Secretary before 4 p.m., at the address indicated in 47 CFR 0.401(a). The Secretary will determine whether a tendered document meets the pre-7:00 p.m. deadline. Documents filed electronically pursuant to § 1.49(f) must be received by the Commission's electronic filing system before midnight. Applications, attachments and pleadings filed electronically in the Universal Licensing System (ULS) pursuant to § 1.939(b) must be received before midnight on the filing date. Media Bureau applications and reports filed electronically pursuant to § 73.3500 of this chapter must be received by the electronic filing system before midnight on the filing date.

(g) Unless otherwise provided (e.g., §§ 1.773 and 76.1502(e)(1) of this chapter), if the filing period is less than 7 days, intermediate holidays shall not be counted in determining the filing date.

Example 10:A reply is required to be filed within 5 days after the filing of an opposition in a license application proceeding. The opposition is filed on Wednesday, June 10, 1987. The first day to be counted in computing the 5 day time period is Thursday, June 11, 1987. Saturday and Sunday are not counted because they are holidays. The document must be filed with the Commission on or before the following Wednesday, June 17, 1987.

(h) If a document is required to be served upon other parties by statute or Commission regulation and the document is in fact served by mail (see § 1.47(f)), and the filing period for a response is 10 days or less, an additional 3 days (excluding holidays) will be allowed to all parties in the proceeding for filing a response. This paragraph (h) shall not apply to documents filed pursuant to § 1.89, § 1.315(b) or § 1.316. For purposes of this paragraph (h) service by facsimile or by electronic means shall be deemed equivalent to hand delivery.

Example 11:A reply to an opposition for a petition for reconsideration must be filed within 7 days after the opposition is filed. 47 CFR 1.106(h). The rules require that the opposition be served on the person seeking reconsideration. 47 CFR 1.106(g). If the opposition is served on the party seeking reconsideration by mail and the opposition is filed with the Commission on Monday, November 9, 1987, the first day to be counted is Tuesday, November 10, 1987 (the day after the day on which the event occurred, § 1.4(c)), and the seventh day is Monday, November 16. An additional 3 days (excluding holidays) is then added at the end of the 7 day period, and the reply must be filed no later than Thursday, November 19, 1987. Example 12:Assume that oppositions to a petition in a particular proceeding are due 10 days after the petition is filed and must be served on the parties to the proceeding. If the petition is filed on October 28, 1993, the last day of the filing period for oppositions is Sunday, November 7. If service is made by mail, the opposition is due three days after November 7, or Wednesday, November 10.

(i) If both paragraphs (g) and (h) of this section are applicable, make the paragraph (g) computation before the paragraph (h) computation.

Example 13:Section 1.45(b) requires the filing of replies to oppositions within five days after the time for filing oppositions has expired. If an opposition has been filed on the last day of the filing period (Friday, July 10, 1987), and was served on the replying party by mail, § 1.4(i) of this section specifies that the paragraph (g) computation should be made before the paragraph (h) computation. Therefore, since the specified filing period is less than seven days, paragraph (g) is applied first. The first day of the filing period is Monday, July 13, 1987, and Friday, July 17, 1987 is the fifth day (the intervening weekend was not counted). Paragraph (h) is then applied to add three days for mailing (excluding holidays). That period begins on Monday, July 20, 1987. Therefore, Wednesday, July 22, 1987, is the date by which replies must be filed, since the intervening weekend is again not counted.

(j) Unless otherwise provided (e.g. § 76.1502(e) of this chapter) if, after making all the computations provided for in this section, the filing date falls on a holiday, the document shall be filed on the next business day. See paragraph (e)(1) of this section. If a rule or order of the Commission specifies that the Commission must act by a certain date and that date falls on a holiday, the Commission action must be taken by the next business day.

Example 14:The filing date falls on Friday, December 25, 1987. The document is required to be filed on the next business day, which is Monday, December 28, 1987.

(k) Where specific provisions of part 1 conflict with this section, those specific provisions of part 1 are controlling. See, e.g.,§§ 1.45(d), 1.773(a)(3) and 1.773(b)(2). Additionally, where § 76.1502(e) of this chapter conflicts with this section, those specific provisions of § 76.1502 are controlling. See e.g. 47 CFR 76.1502(e).

(l) When Commission action is required by statute to be taken by a date that falls on a holiday, such action may be taken by the next business day (unless the statute provides otherwise).

[52 FR 49159, Dec. 30, 1987; 53 FR 44196, Nov. 2, 1988, as amended at 56 FR 40567, 40568, Aug. 15, 1991; 58 FR 17529, Apr. 5, 1993; 61 FR 11749, Mar. 22, 1996; 62 FR 26238, May 13, 1997; 63 FR 24124, May 1, 1998; 64 FR 27201, May 19, 1999; 64 FR 60725, Nov. 8, 1999; 65 FR 46109, July 27, 2000; 67 FR 13223, Mar. 21, 2002; 71 FR 15618, Mar. 29, 2006; 74 FR 68544, Dec. 28, 2009; 76 FR 24390, May 2, 2011; 76 FR 70908, Nov. 16, 2011; 85 FR 39075, June 30, 2020]

§ 1.5 - Mailing address furnished by licensee.

(a) Each licensee shall furnish the Commission with an address to be used by the Commission in serving documents or directing correspondence to that licensee. Unless any licensee advises the Commission to the contrary, the address contained in the licensee's most recent application will be used by the Commission for purposes of this paragraph (a). For licensees in the Wireless Radio Services, each licensee shall also furnish the Commission with an email address to be used by Commission for serving documents or directing correspondence to that licensee; correspondence sent to such email address is deemed to have been served on the licensee.

(b) The licensee is responsible for making any arrangements which may be necessary in his particular circumstances to assure that Commission documents or correspondence delivered to this address will promptly reach him or some person authorized by him to act in his behalf.

[28 FR 12415, Nov. 22, 1963, as amended at 85 FR 85527, Dec. 29, 2020]

§ 1.6 - Availability of station logs and records for Commission inspection.

(a) Station records and logs shall be made available for inspection or duplication at the request of the Commission or its representative. Such logs or records may be removed from the licensee's possession by a Commission representative or, upon request, shall be mailed by the licensee to the Commission by either registered mail, return receipt requested, or certified mail, return receipt requested. The return receipt shall be retained by the licensee as part of the station records until such records or logs are returned to the licensee. A receipt shall be furnished when the logs or records are removed from the licensee's possession by a Commission representative and this receipt shall be retained by the licensee as part of the station records until such records or logs are returned to the licensee. When the Commission has no further need for such records or logs, they shall be returned to the licensee. The provisions of this rule shall apply solely to those station logs and records which are required to be maintained by the provisions of this chapter.

(b) Where records or logs are maintained as the official records of a recognized law enforcement agency and the removal of the records from the possession of the law enforcement agency will hinder its law enforcement activities, such records will not be removed pursuant to this section if the chief of the law enforcement agency promptly certifies in writing to the Federal Communications Commission that removal of the logs or records will hinder law enforcement activities of the agency, stating insofar as feasible the basis for his decision and the date when it can reasonably be expected that such records will be released to the Federal Communications Commission.

§ 1.7 - Documents are filed upon receipt.

Unless otherwise provided in this Title, by Public Notice, or by decision of the Commission or of the Commission's staff acting on delegated authority, pleadings and other documents are considered to be filed with the Commission upon their receipt at the location designated by the Commission.

[60 FR 16055, Mar. 29, 1995]

§ 1.8 - Withdrawal of papers.

The granting of a request to dismiss or withdraw an application or a pleading does not authorize the removal of such application or pleading from the Commission's records.

§ 1.10 - Transcript of testimony; copies of documents submitted.

In any matter pending before the Commission, any person submitting data or evidence, whether acting under compulsion or voluntarily, shall have the right to retain a copy thereof, or to procure a copy of any document submitted by him, or of any transcript made of his testimony, upon payment of the charges therefor to the person furnishing the same, which person may be designated by the Commission. The Commission itself shall not be responsible for furnishing the copies.

[29 FR 14406, Oct. 20, 1964]

§ 1.12 - Notice to attorneys of Commission documents.

In any matter pending before the Commission in which an attorney has appeared for, submitted a document on behalf of or been otherwise designated by a person, any notice or other written communication pertaining to that matter issued by the Commission and which is required or permitted to be furnished to the person will be communicated to the attorney, or to one of such attorneys if more than one is designated. If direct communication with the party is appropriate, a copy of such communication will be mailed to the attorney; or for matters involving Wireless Radio Services, emailed to the attorney instead of mailed.

[85 FR 85527, Dec. 29, 2020]

§ 1.13 - Filing of petitions for review and notices of appeals of Commission orders.

(a) Petitions for review involving a judicial lottery pursuant to 28 U.S.C. 2112(a). (1) This paragraph pertains to each party filing a petition for review in any United States court of appeals of a Commission Order pursuant to 47 U.S.C. 402(a) and 28 U.S.C. 2342(1), that wishes to avail itself of procedures established for selection of a court in the case of multiple petitions for review of the same Commission action, pursuant to 28 U.S.C. 2112(a). Each such party shall, within ten days after the issuance of that order, serve on the Office of General Counsel, by email to the address [email protected], a copy of its petition for review as filed and date-stamped by the court of appeals within which it was filed. Such copies of petitions for review must be received by the Office of General Counsel by 5:30 p.m. Eastern Time on the tenth day of the filing period. A return email from the Office of General Counsel acknowledging receipt of the petition for review will constitute proof of filing. Upon receipt of any copies of petitions for review according to these procedures, the Commission shall follow the procedures established in section 28 U.S.C. 2112(a) to determine the court in which to file the record in that case.

(2) If a party wishes to avail itself of procedures established for selection of a court in the case of multiple petitions for review of the same Commission action, pursuant to 28 U.S.C. 2112(a), but is unable to use email to effect service as described in paragraph (a)(1) of this section, it shall instead, within ten days after the issuance of the order on appeal, serve a copy of its petition for review in person on the General Counsel in the Office of General Counsel, located at the FCC's main office address indicated in 47 CFR 0.401(a). Only parties not represented by counsel may use this method. Such parties must telephone the Litigation Division of the Office of General Counsel beforehand to make arrangements at 202-418-1740. Parties are advised to call at least one day before service must be effected.

(3) Computation of time of the ten-day period for filing copies of petitions for review of a Commission order shall be governed by Rule 26 of the Federal Rules of Appellate Procedure. The date of issuance of a Commission order for purposes of filing copies of petitions for review shall be the date of public notice as defined in § 1.4(b) of the Commission's Rules, 47 CFR 1.4(b).

(b) Notices of appeal pursuant to 47 U.S.C. 402(b). Copies of notices of appeals filed pursuant to 47 U.S.C. 402(b) shall be served upon the General Counsel. The FCC consents to—and encourages—service of such notices by email to the address [email protected].

Note:

For administrative efficiency, the Commission requests that any petitioner seeking judicial review of Commission actions pursuant to 47 U.S.C. 402(a) serve a copy of its petition on the General Counsel regardless of whether it wishes to avail itself of the procedures for multiple appeals set forth in 47 U.S.C. 2112(a). Parties are encouraged to serve such notice by email to the address [email protected].

[81 FR 40821, June 23, 2016, as amended at 85 FR 64405, Oct. 13, 2020]

§ 1.14 - Citation of Commission documents.

The appropriate reference to the FCC Record shall be included as part of the citation to any document that has been printed in the Record. The citation should provide the volume, page number and year, in that order (e.g., 1 FCC Rcd. 1 (1986). Older documents may continue to be cited to the FCC Reports, first or second series, if they were printed in the Reports (e.g., 1 FCC 2d 1 (1965)).

[51 FR 45890, Dec. 23, 1986]

§ 1.16 - Unsworn declarations under penalty of perjury in lieu of affidavits.

Any document to be filed with the Federal Communications Commission and which is required by any law, rule or other regulation of the United States to be supported, evidenced, established or proved by a written sworn declaration, verification, certificate, statement, oath or affidavit by the person making the same, may be supported, evidenced, established or proved by the unsworn declaration, certification, verification, or statement in writing of such person, except that, such declaration shall not be used in connection with: (a) A deposition, (b) an oath of office, or (c) an oath required to be taken before a specified official other than a notary public. Such declaration shall be subscribed by the declarant as true under penalty of perjury, and dated, in substantially the following form:

(1) If executed without the United States:

“I declare (or certify, verify, or state) under penalty of perjury under the laws of the United States of America that the foregoing is true and correct. Executed on (date). (Signature)”.

(2) If executed within the United States, its territories, possessions, or commonwealths:

“I declare (or certify, verify, or state) under penalty of perjury that the foregoing is true and correct. Executed on (date). (Signature)”. [48 FR 8074, Feb. 25, 1983]

§ 1.17 - Truthful and accurate statements to the Commission.

(a) In any investigatory or adjudicatory matter within the Commission's jurisdiction (including, but not limited to, any informal adjudication or informal investigation but excluding any declaratory ruling proceeding) and in any proceeding to amend the FM or Television Table of Allotments (with respect to expressions of interest) or any tariff proceeding, no person subject to this rule shall;

(1) In any written or oral statement of fact, intentionally provide material factual information that is incorrect or intentionally omit material information that is necessary to prevent any material factual statement that is made from being incorrect or misleading; and

(2) In any written statement of fact, provide material factual information that is incorrect or omit material information that is necessary to prevent any material factual statement that is made from being incorrect or misleading without a reasonable basis for believing that any such material factual statement is correct and not misleading.

(b) For purpose of paragraph (a) of this section, “persons subject to this rule” shall mean the following:

(1) Any applicant for any Commission authorization;

(2) Any holder of any Commission authorization, whether by application or by blanket authorization or other rule;

(3) Any person performing without Commission authorization an activity that requires Commission authorization;

(4) Any person that has received a citation or a letter of inquiry from the Commission or its staff, or is otherwise the subject of a Commission or staff investigation, including an informal investigation;

(5) In a proceeding to amend the FM or Television Table of Allotments, any person filing an expression of interest; and

(6) To the extent not already covered in this paragraph (b), any cable operator or common carrier.

[68 FR 15098, Mar. 28, 2003]

§ 1.18 - Administrative Dispute Resolution.

(a) The Commission has adopted an initial policy statement that supports and encourages the use of alternative dispute resolution procedures in its administrative proceedings and proceedings in which the Commission is a party, including the use of regulatory negotiation in Commission rulemaking matters, as authorized under the Administrative Dispute Resolution Act and Negotiated Rulemaking Act.

(b) In accordance with the Commission's policy to encourage the fullest possible use of alternative dispute resolution procedures in its administrative proceedings, procedures contained in the Administrative Dispute Resolution Act, including the provisions dealing with confidentiality, shall also be applied in Commission alternative dispute resolution proceedings in which the Commission itself is not a party to the dispute.

[56 FR 51178, Oct. 10, 1991, as amended at 57 FR 32181, July 21, 1992]

§ 1.19 - Use of metric units required.

Where parenthesized English units accompany metric units throughout this chapter, and the two figures are not precisely equivalent, the metric unit shall be considered the sole requirement; except, however, that the use of metric paper sizes is not currently required, and compliance with the English unit shall be considered sufficient when the Commission form requests that data showing compliance with that particular standard be submitted in English units.

[58 FR 44893, Aug. 25, 1993]

Parties, Practitioners, and Witnesses

§ 1.21 - Parties.

(a) Any party may appear before the Commission and be heard in person or by attorney.

(b) The appropriate Bureau Chief(s) of the Commission shall be deemed to be a party to every adjudicatory proceeding (as defined in the Administrative Procedure Act) without the necessity of being so named in the order designating the proceeding for hearing.

(c) When, in any proceeding, a pleading is filed on behalf of either the General Counsel or the Chief Engineer, he shall thereafter be deemed a party to the proceeding.

(d) Except as otherwise expressly provided in this chapter, a duly authorized corporate officer or employee may act for the corporation in any matter which has not been designated for hearing and, in the discretion of the presiding officer, may appear and be heard on behalf of the corporation in a hearing proceeding.

[28 FR 12415, Nov. 22, 1963, as amended at 37 FR 8527, Apr. 28, 1972; 44 FR 39180, July 5, 1979; 51 FR 12616, Apr. 14, 1986; 85 FR 63172, Oct. 6, 2020]

§ 1.22 - Authority for representation.

Any person, in a representative capacity, transacting business with the Commission, may be required to show his authority to act in such capacity.

§ 1.23 - Persons who may be admitted to practice.

(a) Any person who is a member in good standing of the bar of the Supreme Court of the United States or of the highest court of any state, territory or the District of Columbia, and who is not under any final order of any authority having power to suspend or disbar an attorney in the practice of law within any state, territory or the District of Columbia that suspends, enjoins, restrains, disbars, or otherwise restricts him or her in the practice of law, may represent others before the Commission.

(b) When such member of the bar acting in a representative capacity appears in person or signs a paper in practice before the Commission, his personal appearance or signature shall constitute a representation to the Commission that, under the provisions of this chapter and the law, he is authorized and qualified to represent the particular party in whose behalf he acts. Further proof of authority to act in a representative capacity may be required.

[28 FR 12415, Nov. 22, 1963, as amended at 57 FR 38285, Aug. 24, 1992]

§ 1.24 - Censure, suspension, or disbarment of attorneys.

(a) The Commission may censure, suspend, or disbar any person who has practiced, is practicing or holding himself out as entitled to practice before it if it finds that such person:

(1) Does not possess the qualifications required by § 1.23;

(2) Has failed to conform to standards of ethical conduct required of practitioners at the bar of any court of which he is a member;

(3) Is lacking in character or professional integrity; and/or

(4) Displays toward the Commission or any of its hearing officers conduct which, if displayed toward any court of the United States or any of its Territories or the District of Columbia, would be cause for censure, suspension, or disbarment.

(b) Except as provided in paragraph (c) of this section, before any member of the bar of the Commission shall be censured, suspended, or disbarred, charges shall be preferred by the Commission against such practitioner, and he or she shall be afforded an opportunity to be heard thereon.

(c) Upon receipt of official notice from any authority having power to suspend or disbar an attorney in the practice of law within any state, territory, or the District of Columbia which demonstrates that an attorney practicing before the Commission is subject to an order of final suspension (not merely temporary suspension pending further action) or disbarment by such authority, the Commission may, without any preliminary hearing, enter an order temporarily suspending the attorney from practice before it pending final disposition of a disciplinary proceeding brought pursuant to § 1.24(a)(2), which shall afford such attorney an opportunity to be heard and directing the attorney to show cause within thirty days from the date of said order why identical discipline should not be imposed against such attorney by the Commission.

(d) Allegations of attorney misconduct in Commission proceedings shall be referred under seal to the Office of General Counsel. Pending action by the General Counsel, the decision maker may proceed with the merits of the matter but in its decision may make findings concerning the attorney's conduct only if necessary to resolve questions concerning an applicant and may not reach any conclusions regarding the ethical ramifications of the attorney's conduct. The General Counsel will determine if the allegations are substantial, and, if so, shall immediately notify the attorney and direct him or her to respond to the allegations. No notice will be provided to other parties to the proceeding. The General Counsel will then determine what further measures are necessary to protect the integrity of the Commission's administrative process, including but not limited to one or more of the following:

(1) Recommending to the Commission the institution of a proceeding under paragraph (a) of this section;

(2) Referring the matter to the appropriate State, territorial, or District of Columbia bar; or

(3) Consulting with the Department of Justice.

[28 FR 12415, Nov. 22, 1963, as amended at 57 FR 38285, Aug. 24, 1992; 60 FR 53277, Oct. 13, 1995]

§ 1.25 - [Reserved]

§ 1.26 - Appearances.

Rules relating to appearances are set forth in §§ 1.87, 1.91, 1.221, and 1.703.

§ 1.27 - Witnesses; right to counsel.

Any individual compelled to appear in person in any Commission proceeding may be accompanied, represented, and advised by counsel as provided in this section. (Regulations as to persons seeking voluntarily to appear and give evidence are set forth in § 1.225.)

(a) Counsel may advise his client in confidence, either upon his own initiative or that of the witness, before, during, and after the conclusion of the proceeding.

(b) Counsel for the witness will be permitted to make objections on the record, and to state briefly the basis for such objections, in connection with any examination of his client.

(c) At the conclusion of the examination of his client, counsel may ask clarifying questions if in the judgment of the presiding officer such questioning is necessary or desirable in order to avoid ambiguity or incompleteness in the responses previously given.

(d) Except as provided by paragraph (c) of this section, counsel for the witness may not examine or cross-examine any witness, or offer documentary evidence, unless authorized by the Commission to do so.

(5 U.S.C. 555) [29 FR 12775, Sept. 10, 1964]

§§ 1.28-1.29 - §[Reserved]

Pleadings, Briefs, and Other Papers

§ 1.41 - Informal requests for Commission action.

Except where formal procedures are required under the provisions of this chapter, requests for action may be submitted informally. Requests should set forth clearly and concisely the facts relied upon, the relief sought, the statutory and/or regulatory provisions (if any) pursuant to which the request is filed and under which relief is sought, and the interest of the person submitting the request. In application and licensing matters pertaining to the Wireless Radio Services, as defined in § 1.904, such requests must be submitted electronically, via the ULS, and the request must include an email address for receiving electronic service. See § 1.47(d).

[85 FR 85528, Dec. 29, 2020]

§ 1.42 - Applications, reports, complaints; cross-reference.

(a) Rules governing applications and reports are contained in subparts D, E, and F of this part.

(b) Special rules governing complaints against common carriers arising under the Communications Act are set forth in subpart E of this part.

(c) Rules governing the FCC Registration Number (FRN) are contained in subpart W of this part.

[28 FR 12415, Nov. 22, 1963, as amended at 66 FR 47895, Sept. 14, 2001]

§ 1.43 - Requests for stay; cross-reference.

General rules relating to requests for stay of any order or decision are set forth in §§ 1.41, 1.44(e), 1.45 (d) and (e), and 1.298(a). See also §§ 1.102, 1.106(n), and 1.115(h).

§ 1.44 - Separate pleadings for different requests.

(a) Requests requiring action by the Commission shall not be combined in a pleading with requests for action by an administrative law judge or by any person or persons acting pursuant to delegated authority.

(b) Requests requiring action by an administrative law judge shall not be combined in a pleading with requests for action by the Commission or by any person or persons acting pursuant to delegated authority.

(c) Requests requiring action by any person or persons pursuant to delegated authority shall not be combined in a pleading with requests for action by any other person or persons acting pursuant to delegated authority.

(d) Pleadings which combine requests in a manner prohibited by paragraph (a), (b), or (c) of this section may be returned without consideration to the person who filed the pleading.

(e) Any request to stay the effectiveness of any decision or order of the Commission shall be filed as a separate pleading. Any such request which is not filed as a separate pleading will not be considered by the Commission.

Note:

Matters which are acted on pursuant to delegated authority are set forth in subpart B of part 0 of this chapter. Matters acted on by the hearing examiner are set forth in § 0.341.

§ 1.45 - Pleadings; filing periods.

Except as otherwise provided in this chapter, pleadings in Commission proceedings shall be filed in accordance with the provisions of this section. Pleadings associated with licenses, applications, waivers, and other documents in the Wireless Radio Services must be filed via the ULS, and persons other than applicants or licensees filing pleadings in ULS must provide an email address to receive electronic service. See § 1.47(d).

(a) Petitions. Petitions to deny may be filed pursuant to § 1.939 of this part.

(b) Oppositions. Oppositions to any motion, petition, or request may be filed within 10 days after the original pleading is filed.

(c) Replies. The person who filed the original pleading may reply to oppositions within 5 days after the time for filing oppositions has expired. The reply shall be limited to matters raised in the oppositions, and the response to all such matters shall be set forth in a single pleading; separate replies to individual oppositions shall not be filed.

(d) Requests for temporary relief; shorter filing periods. Oppositions to a request for stay of any order or to a request for other temporary relief shall be filed within 7 days after the request is filed. Replies to oppositions should not be filed and will not be considered. The provisions of § 1.4(h) shall not apply in computing the filing date for oppositions to a request for stay or for other temporary relief.

(e) Ex parte disposition of certain pleadings. As a matter of discretion, the Commission may rule ex parte upon requests for continuances and extensions of time, requests for permission to file pleadings in excess of the length prescribed in this chapter, and requests for temporary relief, without waiting for the filing of oppositions or replies.

Note:

Where specific provisions contained in part 1 conflict with this section, those specific provisions are controlling. See, in particular, §§ 1.294(c), 1.298(a), and 1.773.

[28 FR 12415, Nov. 22, 1963, as amended at 33 FR 7153, May 15, 1968; 45 FR 64190, Sept. 29, 1980; 54 FR 31032, July 26, 1989; 54 FR 37682, Sept. 12, 1989; 63 FR 68919, Dec. 14, 1998; 85 FR 85528, Dec. 29, 2020]

§ 1.46 - Motions for extension of time.

(a) It is the policy of the Commission that extensions of time shall not be routinely granted.

(b) Motions for extension of time in which to file responses to petitions for rulemaking, replies to such responses, comments filed in response to notice of proposed rulemaking, replies to such comments and other filings in rulemaking proceedings conducted under Subpart C of this part shall be filed at least 7 days before the filing date. If a timely motion is denied, the responses and comments, replies thereto, or other filings need not be filed until 2 business days after the Commission acts on the motion. In emergency situations, the Commission will consider a late-filed motion for a brief extension of time related to the duration of the emergency and will consider motions for acceptance of comments, reply comments or other filings made after the filing date.

(c) If a motion for extension of time in which to make filings in proceedings other than notice and comment rule making proceedings is filed less than 7 days prior to the filing day, the party filing the motion shall (in addition to serving the motion on other parties) orally notify other parties and Commission staff personnel responsible for acting on the motion that the motion has been (or is being) filed.

[39 FR 43301, Dec. 12, 1974, as amended at 41 FR 9550, Mar. 5, 1976; 41 FR 14871, Apr. 8, 1976; 42 FR 28887, June 6, 1977; 63 FR 24124, May 1, 1998]

§ 1.47 - Service of documents and proof of service.

(a) Where the Commission or any person is required by statute or by the provisions of this chapter to serve any document upon any person, service shall (in the absence of specific provisions in this chapter to the contrary) be made in accordance with the provisions of this section. Documents that are required to be served by the Commission in agency proceedings (i.e., not in the context of judicial proceedings, Congressional investigations, or other proceedings outside the Commission) may be served in electronic form. Documents associated with licenses, applications, waivers, and other requests in the Wireless Radio Services that are required to be served by the Commission in agency proceedings must be served in electronic form. In proceedings involving a large number of parties, and unless otherwise provided by statute, the Commission may satisfy its service obligation by issuing a public notice that identifies the documents required to be served and that explains how parties can obtain copies of the documents.

Note to paragraph (a):

Paragraph (a) of this section grants staff the authority to decide upon the appropriate format for electronic notification in a particular proceeding, consistent with any applicable statutory requirements. The Commission expects that service by public notice will be used only in proceedings with 20 or more parties.

(b) Where any person is required to serve any document filed with the Commission, service shall be made by that person or by his representative on or before the day on which the document is filed.

(c) Commission counsel who formally participate in any proceeding shall be served in the same manner as other persons who participate in that proceeding. The filing of a document with the Commission does not constitute service upon Commission counsel.

(d) Except in formal complaint proceedings against common carriers under §§ 1.720 through 1.740 and proceedings related to the Wireless Radio Services under subpart F of this part, documents may be served upon a party, his attorney, or other duly constituted agent by delivering a copy or by mailing a copy to the last known address. Documents that are required to be served must be served in paper form, even if documents are filed in electronic form with the Commission, unless the party to be served agrees to accept service in some other form. Petitions, pleadings, and other documents associated with licensing matters in the Wireless Radio Services must be served electronically upon a party, his attorney, or other duly constituted agent by delivering a copy by email to the email address listed in the Universal Licensing System (ULS). If a filer is not an applicant or licensee, the document must include an email address for receiving electronic service.

(e) Delivery of a copy pursuant to this section means handing it to the party, his attorney, or other duly constituted agent; or leaving it with the clerk or other person in charge of the office of the person being served; or, if there is no one in charge of such office, leaving it in a conspicuous place therein; or, if such office is closed or the person to be served has no office, leaving it at his dwelling house or usual place of abode with some person of suitable age and discretion then residing therein. For pleadings, petitions, and other documents associated with licensing matters in the Wireless Radio Services, delivery of a copy pursuant to this section is complete by sending it by email to the email addresses listed in the ULS, or to the email address of the applicant's or licensee's attorney provided in a pleading or other document served on the filer.

(f) Service by mail is complete upon mailing. Service by email is complete upon sending to the email address listed in the ULS for a particular license, application, or filing.

(g) Proof of service, as provided in this section, shall be filed before action is taken. The proof of service shall show the time and manner of service, and may be by written acknowledgement of service, by certificate of the person effecting the service, or by other proof satisfactory to the Commission. Failure to make proof of service will not affect the validity of the service. The Commission may allow the proof to be amended or supplied at any time, unless to do so would result in material prejudice to a party. Proof of electronic service shall show the email address of the person making the service, in addition to that person's residence or business address; the date and time of the electronic service; the name and email address of the person served; and that the document was served electronically.

(h) Every common carrier and interconnected VoIP provider, as defined in § 54.5 of this chapter, and non-interconnected VoIP provider, as defined in § 64.601(a)(15) of this chapter and with interstate end-user revenues that are subject to contribution to the Telecommunications Relay Service Fund, that is subject to the Communications Act of 1934, as amended, shall designate an agent in the District of Columbia, and may designate additional agents if it so chooses, upon whom service of all notices, process, orders, decisions, and requirements of the Commission may be made for and on behalf of such carrier, interconnected VoIP provider, or non-interconnected VoIP provider in any proceeding before the Commission. Every international section 214 authorization holder must also designate an agent in the District of Columbia who is a U.S. citizen or lawful U.S. permanent resident pursuant to § 63.18(q)(1)(iii) of this chapter. Such designation shall include, for the carrier, interconnected VoIP provider, or non-interconnected VoIP provider and its designated agents, a name, business address, telephone or voicemail number, facsimile number, and, if available, internet email address. Such carrier, interconnected VoIP provider, or non-interconnected VoIP provider shall additionally list any other names by which it is known or under which it does business, and, if the carrier, interconnected VoIP provider, or non-interconnected VoIP provider is an affiliated company, the parent, holding, or management company. Within thirty (30) days of the commencement of provision of service, such carrier, interconnected VoIP provider, or non-interconnected VoIP provider shall file such information with the Chief of the Enforcement Bureau's Market Disputes Resolution Division. Such carriers, interconnected VoIP providers, and non-interconnected VoIP providers may file a hard copy of the relevant portion of the Telecommunications Reporting Worksheet, as delineated by the Commission in the Federal Register, to satisfy the requirement in the preceding sentence. Each Telecommunications Reporting Worksheet filed annually by a common carrier, interconnected VoIP provider, or non-interconnected VoIP provider must contain a name, business address, telephone or voicemail number, facsimile number, and, if available, internet email address for its designated agents, regardless of whether such information has been revised since the previous filing. Carriers, interconnected VoIP providers, and non-interconnected VoIP providers must notify the Commission within one week of any changes in their designation information by filing revised portions of the Telecommunications Reporting Worksheet with the Chief of the Enforcement Bureau's Market Disputes Resolution Division. A paper copy of this designation list shall be maintained in the Office of the Secretary of the Commission. Service of any notice, process, orders, decisions or requirements of the Commission may be made upon such carrier, interconnected VoIP provider, or non-interconnected VoIP provider by leaving a copy thereof with such designated agent at his office or usual place of residence. If such carrier, interconnected VoIP provider, or non-interconnected VoIP provider fails to designate such an agent, service of any notice or other process in any proceeding before the Commission, or of any order, decision, or requirement of the Commission, may be made by posting such notice, process, order, requirement, or decision in the Office of the Secretary of the Commission.

[28 FR 12415, Nov. 22, 1963, as amended at 40 FR 55644, Dec. 1, 1975; 53 FR 11852, Apr. 11, 1988; 63 FR 1035, Jan. 7, 1998; 63 FR 24124, May 1, 1998; 64 FR 41330, July 30, 1999; 64 FR 60725, Nov. 8, 1999; 71 FR 38796, July 10, 2006; 76 FR 24390, May 2, 2011; 76 FR 65969, Oct. 25, 2011; 83 FR 44831, Sept. 4, 2018; 85 FR 76381, Nov. 27, 2020; 85 FR 85528, Dec. 29, 2020]

§ 1.48 - Length of pleadings.

(a) Affidavits, statements, tables of contents and summaries of filings, and other materials which are submitted with and factually support a pleading are not counted in determining the length of the pleading. If other materials are submitted with a pleading, they will be counted in determining its length; and if the length of the pleadings, as so computed, is greater than permitted by the provisions of this chapter, the pleading will be returned without consideration.

(b) It is the policy of the Commission that requests for permission to file pleadings in excess of the length prescribed by the provisions of this chapter shall not be routinely granted. Where the filing period is 10 days or less, the request shall be made within 2 business days after the period begins to run. Where the period is more than 10 days, the request shall be filed at least 10 days before the filing date. (See § 1.4.) If a timely request is made, the pleading need not be filed earlier than 2 business days after the Commission acts upon the request.

[41 FR 14871, Apr. 8, 1976, and 49 FR 40169, Oct. 15, 1984]

§ 1.49 - Specifications as to pleadings and documents.

(a) All pleadings and documents filed in paper form in any Commission proceeding shall be typewritten or prepared by mechanical processing methods, and shall be filed electronically or on paper with dimensions of A4 (21 cm. x 29.7 cm.) or on 8 1/2 x 11 inch (21.6 cm. x 27.9 cm.) with the margins set so that the printed material does not exceed 6 1/2 x 9 1/2 inches (16.5 cm. x 24.1 cm.). The printed material may be in any typeface of at least 12-point (0.42333 cm. or 12/72″) in height. The body of the text must be double spaced with a minimum distance of 7/32 of an inch (0.5556 cm.) between each line of text. Footnotes and long, indented quotations may be single spaced, but must be in type that is 12-point or larger in height, with at least 1/16 of an inch (0.158 cm.) between each line of text. Counsel are cautioned against employing extended single spaced passages or excessive footnotes to evade prescribed pleading lengths. If single-spaced passages or footnotes are used in this manner the pleading will, at the discretion of the Commission, either be rejected as unacceptable for filing or dismissed with leave to be refiled in proper form. Pleadings may be printed on both sides of the paper. Pleadings that use only one side of the paper shall be stapled, or otherwise bound, in the upper left-hand corner; those using both sides of the paper shall be stapled twice, or otherwise bound, along the left-hand margin so that it opens like a book. The foregoing shall not apply to printed briefs specifically requested by the Commission, official publications, charted or maps, original documents (or admissible copies thereof) offered as exhibits, specially prepared exhibits, or if otherwise specifically provided. All copies shall be clearly legible.

(b) Except as provided in paragraph (d) of this section, all pleadings and documents filed with the Commission, the length of which as computed under this chapter exceeds ten pages, shall include, as part of the pleading or document, a table of contents with page references.

(c) Except as provided in paragraph (d) of this section, all pleadings and documents filed with the Commission, the length of which filings as computed under this chapter exceeds ten pages, shall include, as part of the pleading or document, a summary of the filing, suitably paragraphed, which should be a succinct, but accurate and clear condensation of the substance of the filing. It should not be a mere repetition of the headings under which the filing is arranged. For pleadings and documents exceeding ten but not twenty-five pages in length, the summary should seldom exceed one and never two pages; for pleadings and documents exceeding twenty-five pages in length, the summary should seldom exceed two and never five pages.

(d) The requirements of paragraphs (b) and (c) of this section shall not apply to:

(1) Interrogatories or answers to interrogatories, and depositions;

(2) FCC forms or applications;

(3) Transcripts;

(4) Contracts and reports;

(5) Letters; or

(6) Hearing exhibits, and exhibits or appendicies accompanying any document or pleading submitted to the Commission.

(e) Petitions, pleadings, and other documents associated with licensing matters in the Wireless Radio Services must be filed electronically in ULS. See § 22.6 of this chapter for specifications.

(f)(1) In the following types of proceedings, all pleadings, including permissible ex parte submissions, notices of ex parte presentations, comments, reply comments, and petitions for reconsideration and replies thereto, must be filed in electronic format:

(i) Formal complaint proceedings under section 208 of the Act and rules in §§ 1.720 through 1.740, and pole attachment complaint proceedings under section 224 of the Act and rules in §§ 1.1401 through 1.1415;

(ii) Proceedings, other than rulemaking proceedings, relating to customer proprietary network information (CPNI);

(iii) Proceedings relating to cable special relief petitions;

(iv) Proceedings involving Over-the-Air Reception Devices;

(v) Common carrier certifications under § 54.314 of this chapter;

(vi) Domestic Section 214 transfer-of-control applications pursuant to §§ 63.52 and 63.53 of this chapter;

(vii) Domestic section 214 discontinuance applications pursuant to § 63.63 and/or § 63.71 of this chapter;

(viii) Notices of network change and associated certifications pursuant to § 51.325 et seq. of this chapter; and

(ix) Hearing proceedings under §§ 1.201 through 1.377.

(2) Unless required under paragraph (f)(1) of this section, in the following types of proceedings, all pleadings, including permissible ex parte submissions, notices of ex parte presentations, comments, reply comments, and petitions for reconsideration and replies thereto, may be filed in electronic format:

(i) General rulemaking proceedings other than broadcast allotment proceedings;

(ii) Notice of inquiry proceedings;

(iii) Petition for rulemaking proceedings (except broadcast allotment proceedings);

(iv) Petition for forbearance proceedings; and

(v) Filings responsive to domestic section 214 transfers under § 63.03 of this chapter, section 214 discontinuances under § 63.71 of this chapter, and notices of network change under § 51.325 et seq. of this chapter.

(3) To further greater reliance on electronic filing wherever possible, the Bureaus and Offices, in coordination with the Managing Director, may provide to the public capabilities for electronic filing of additional types of pleadings notwithstanding any provisions of this chapter that may otherwise be construed as requiring such filings to be submitted on paper.

(4) For purposes of compliance with any prescribed pleading lengths, the length of any document filed in electronic form shall be equal to the length of the document if printed out and formatted according to the specifications of paragraph (a) of this section, or shall be no more than 250 words per page.

Note to § 1.49:

The table of contents and the summary pages shall not be included in complying with any page limitation requirements as set forth by Commission rule.

[40 span 19198, May 2, 1975, as amended at 47 span 26393, June 18, 1982; 51 span 16322, May 2, 1986; 54 span 31032, July 26, 1989; 58 span 44893, Aug. 25, 1993; 59 span 37721, July 25, 1994; 63 span 24125, May 1, 1998; 63 span 68920, Dec. 14, 1998; 74 span 39227, Aug. 6, 2009; 76 span 24390, May 2, 2011; 80 span 1587, Jan. 13, 2015; 80 span 19847, Apr. 13, 2015; 83 span 2556, Jan. 18, 2018; 83 span 7922, Feb. 22, 2018; 83 span 44831, Sept. 4, 2018; 85 span 63172, Oct. 6, 2020; 85 span 85528, Dec. 29, 2020]

§ 1.50 - Specifications as to briefs.

The Commission's preference is for briefs that are either typewritten, prepared by other mechanical processing methods, or, in the case of matters in the Wireless Radio Services, composed electronically and sent via ULS. Printed briefs will be accepted only if specifically requested by the Commission. Typewritten, mechanically produced, or electronically transmitted briefs must conform to all of the applicable specifications for pleadings and documents set forth in § 1.49.

[63 FR 68920, Dec. 14, 1998]

§ 1.51 - Number of copies of pleadings, briefs, and other papers.

(a) In hearing proceedings, all pleadings, letters, documents, or other written submissions, shall be filed using the Commission's Electronic Comment Filing System, excluding confidential material as set forth in § 1.314 of these rules. Each written submission that includes confidential material shall be filed as directed by the Commission, along with an additional courtesy copy transmitted to the presiding officer.

(b) In rulemaking proceedings which have not been designated for hearing, see § 1.419.

(c) In matters other than rulemaking and hearing cases, unless otherwise specified by Commission rules, an original and one copy shall be filed. If the matter relates to part 22 of the rules, see § 22.6 of this chapter.

(d) Where statute or regulation provides for service by the Commission of papers filed with the Commission, an additional copy of such papers shall be filed for each person to be served.

(e) The parties to any proceeding may, on notice, be required to file additional copies of any or all filings made in that proceeding.

(f) For application and licensing matters involving the Wireless Radio Services, pleadings, briefs or other documents must be filed electronically in ULS.

(g) Participants that file pleadings, briefs or other documents electronically in ULS need only submit one copy, so long as the submission conforms to any procedural or filing requirements established for formal electronic comments. (See § 1.49)

(h) Pleadings, briefs or other documents filed electronically in ULS by a party represented by an attorney shall include the name, street address, email address, and telephone number of at least one attorney of record. Parties not represented by an attorney that files electronically in ULS shall provide their name, street address, email address, and telephone number.

[76 FR 24391, May 2, 2011, as amended at 83 FR 2556, Jan. 18, 2018; 85 FR 63172, Oct. 6, 2020; 85 FR 85528, Dec. 29, 2020]

§ 1.52 - Subscription and verification.

The original of all petitions, motions, pleadings, briefs, and other documents filed by any party represented by counsel shall be signed by at least one attorney of record in his individual name, whose address shall be stated. A party who is not represented by an attorney shall sign and verify the document and state his address. Pleadings, petitions, and other documents related to licensing matters in the Wireless Radio Services shall be signed by at least one attorney of record in his individual name or by the party who is not represented by an attorney and shall include his email and physical mailing address. Either the original document, the electronic reproduction of such original document containing the facsimile signature of the attorney or represented party, or, in the case of matters in the Wireless Radio Services, an electronic filing via ULS is acceptable for filing. If a facsimile or electronic reproduction of such original document is filed, the signatory shall retain the original until the Commission's decision is final and no longer subject to judicial review. If filed electronically, a signature will be considered any symbol executed or adopted by the party with the intent that such symbol be a signature, including symbols formed by computer-generated electronic impulses. Except when otherwise specifically provided by rule or statute, documents signed by the attorney for a party need not be verified or accompanied by affidavit. The signature or electronic reproduction thereof by an attorney constitutes a certificate by him that he has read the document; that to the best of his knowledge, information, and belief there is good ground to support it; and that it is not interposed for delay. If the original of a document is not signed or is signed with intent to defeat the purpose of this section, or an electronic reproduction does not contain a facsimile signature, it may be stricken as sham and false, and the matter may proceed as though the document had not been filed. An attorney may be subjected to appropriate disciplinary action, pursuant to § 1.24, for a willful violation of this section or if scandalous or indecent matter is inserted.

[63 FR 24125, May 1, 1998, as amended at 63 FR 68920, Dec. 14, 1998; 83 FR 2556, Jan. 18, 2018; 85 FR 85529, Dec. 29, 2020]

Forbearance Proceedings

§ 1.53 - Separate pleadings for petitions for forbearance.

In order to be considered as a petition for forbearance subject to the one-year deadline set forth in 47 U.S.C. 160(c), any petition requesting that the Commission exercise its forbearance authority under 47 U.S.C. 160 shall be filed as a separate pleading and shall be identified in the caption of such pleading as a petition for forbearance under 47 U.S.C. 160(c). Any request which is not in compliance with this rule is deemed not to constitute a petition pursuant to 47 U.S.C. 160(c), and is not subject to the deadline set forth therein.

[65 FR 7460, Feb. 15, 2000]

§ 1.54 - Petitions for forbearance must be complete as filed.

(a) Description of relief sought. Petitions for forbearance must identify the requested relief, including:

(1) Each statutory provision, rule, or requirement from which forbearance is sought.

(2) Each carrier, or group of carriers, for which forbearance is sought.

(3) Each service for which forbearance is sought.

(4) Each geographic location, zone, or area for which forbearance is sought.

(5) Any other factor, condition, or limitation relevant to determining the scope of the requested relief.

(b) Prima facie case. Petitions for forbearance must contain facts and arguments which, if true and persuasive, are sufficient to meet each of the statutory criteria for forbearance.

(1) A petition for forbearance must specify how each of the statutory criteria is met with regard to each statutory provision or rule, or requirement from which forbearance is sought.

(2) If the petitioner intends to rely on data or information in the possession of third parties, the petition must identify:

(i) The nature of the data or information.

(ii) The parties believed to have or control the data or information.

(iii) The relationship of the data or information to facts and arguments presented in the petition.

(3) The petitioner shall, at the time of filing, provide a copy of the petition to each third party identified as possessing data or information on which the petitioner intends to rely.

(c) Identification of related matters. A petition for forbearance must identify any proceeding pending before the Commission in which the petitioner has requested, or otherwise taken a position regarding, relief that is identical to, or comparable to, the relief sought in the forbearance petition. Alternatively, the petition must declare that the petitioner has not, in a pending proceeding, requested or otherwise taken a position on the relief sought.

(d) Filing requirements. Petitions for forbearance shall comply with the filing requirements in § 1.49.

(1) Petitions for forbearance shall be e-mailed to [email protected] at the time for filing.

(2) All filings related to a forbearance petition, including all data, shall be provided in a searchable format. To be searchable, a spreadsheet containing a significant amount of data must be capable of being manipulated to allow meaningful analysis.

(e) Contents. Petitions for forbearance shall include:

(1) A plain, concise, written summary statement of the relief sought.

(2) A full statement of the petitioner's prima facie case for relief.

(3) Appendices that list:

(i) The scope of relief sought as required in § 1.54(a);

(ii) All supporting data upon which the petition intends to rely, including a market analysis; and

(iii) Any supporting statements or affidavits.

(f) Supplemental information. The Commission will consider further facts and arguments entered into the record by a petitioner only:

(1) In response to facts and arguments introduced by commenters or opponents.

(2) By permission of the Commission.

[74 FR 39227, Aug. 6, 2009]

§ 1.55 - Public notice of petitions for forbearance.

(a) Filing a petition for forbearance initiates the statutory time limit for consideration of the petition.

(b) The Commission will issue a public notice when it receives a properly filed petition for forbearance. The notice will include:

(1) A statement of the nature of the petition for forbearance.

(2) The scope of the forbearance sought and a description of the subjects and issues involved.

(3) The docket number assigned to the proceeding.

(4) A statement of the time for filing oppositions or comments and replies thereto.

[74 FR 39227, Aug. 6, 2009]

§ 1.56 - Motions for summary denial of petitions for forbearance.

(a) Opponents of a petition for forbearance may submit a motion for summary denial if it can be shown that the petition for forbearance, viewed in the light most favorable to the petitioner, cannot meet the statutory criteria for forbearance.

(b) A motion for summary denial may not be filed later than the due date for comments and oppositions announced in the public notice.

(c) Oppositions to motions for summary denial may not be filed later than the due date for reply comments announced in the public notice.

(d) No reply may be filed to an opposition to a motion for summary denial.

[74 FR 39227, Aug. 6, 2009]

§ 1.57 - Circulation and voting of petitions for forbearance.

(a) If a petition for forbearance includes novel questions of fact, law or policy which cannot be resolved under outstanding precedents and decisions, the Chairperson will circulate a draft order no later than 28 days prior to the statutory deadline, unless all Commissioners agree to a shorter period.

(b) The Commission will vote on any circulated order resolving a forbearance petition not later than seven days before the last day that action must be taken to prevent the petition from being deemed granted by operation of law.

[74 FR 39227, Aug. 6, 2009, as amended at 88 FR 21433, Apr. 10, 2023]

§ 1.58 - Forbearance petition quiet period prohibition.

The prohibition in § 1.1203(a) on contacts with decisionmakers concerning matters listed in the Sunshine Agenda shall also apply to a petition for forbearance for a period of 14 days prior to the statutory deadline under 47 U.S.C. 160(c) or as announced by the Commission.

[74 FR 39227, Aug. 6, 2009]

§ 1.59 - Withdrawal or narrowing of petitions for forbearance.

(a) A petitioner may withdraw or narrow a petition for forbearance without approval of the Commission by filing a notice of full or partial withdrawal at any time prior to the end of the tenth business day after the due date for reply comments announced in the public notice.

(b) Except as provided in paragraph (a) of this section, a petition for forbearance may be withdrawn, or narrowed so significantly as to amount to a withdrawal of a large portion of the forbearance relief originally requested by the petitioner, only with approval of the Commission.

[74 FR 39227, Aug. 6, 2009]

General Application Procedures

§ 1.61 - Procedures for handling applications requiring special aeronautical study.

(a) Antenna Structure Registration is conducted by the Wireless Telecommunications Bureau as follows:

(1) Each antenna structure owner that must notify the FAA of proposed construction using FAA Form 7460-1 shall, upon proposing new or modified construction, register that antenna structure with the Wireless Telecommunications Bureau using FCC Form 854.

(2) In accordance with § 1.1307 and § 17.4(c) of this chapter, the Bureau will address any environmental concerns prior to processing the registration.

(3) If a final FAA determination of “no hazard” is not submitted along with FCC Form 854, processing of the registration may be delayed or disapproved.

(4) If the owner of the antenna structure cannot file FCC Form 854 because it is subject to a denial of Federal benefits under the Anti-Drug Abuse Act of 1988, 21 U.S.C. 862, the first licensee authorized to locate on the structure must register the structure using FCC Form 854, and provide a copy of the Antenna Structure Registration (FCC Form 854R) to the owner. The owner remains responsible for providing a copy of FCC Form 854R to all tenant licensees on the structure and for posting the registration number as required by § 17.4(g) of this chapter.

(5) Upon receipt of FCC Form 854, and attached FAA final determination of “no hazard,” the Bureau may prescribe antenna structure painting and/or lighting specifications or other conditions in accordance with the FAA airspace recommendation. Unless otherwise specified by the Bureau, the antenna structure must conform to the FAA's painting and lighting recommendations set forth in the FAA's determination of “no hazard” and the associated FAA study number. The Bureau returns a completed Antenna Structure Registration (FCC Form 854R) to the registrant. If the proposed structure is disapproved the registrant is so advised.

(b) Each operating Bureau or Office examines the applications for Commission authorization for which it is responsible to ensure compliance with FAA notification procedures as well as Commission Antenna Structure Registration as follows:

(1) If Antenna Structure Registration is required, the operating Bureau reviews the application for the Antenna Structure Registration Number and proceeds as follows:

(i) If the application contains the Antenna Structure Registration Number or if the applicant seeks a Cellular or PCS system authorization, the operating Bureau processes the application.

(ii) If the application does not contain the Antenna Structure Registration Number, but the structure owner has already filed FCC Form 854, the operating Bureau places the application on hold until Registration can be confirmed, so long as the owner exhibits due diligence in filing.

(iii) If the application does not contain the Antenna Structure Registration Number, and the structure owner has not filed FCC Form 854, the operating Bureau notifies the applicant that FCC Form 854 must be filed and places the application on hold until Registration can be confirmed, so long as the owner exhibits due diligence in filing.

(2) If Antenna Structure Registration is not required, the operating Bureau processes the application.

(c) Where one or more antenna farm areas have been designated for a community or communities (see § 17.9 of this chapter), an application proposing the erection of an antenna structure over 1,000 feet in height above ground to serve such community or communities will not be accepted for filing unless:

(1) It is proposed to locate the antenna structure in a designated antenna farm area, or

(2) It is accompanied by a statement from the Federal Aviation Administration that the proposed structure will not constitute a menace to air navigation, or

(3) It is accompanied by a request for waiver setting forth reasons sufficient, if true, to justify such a waiver.

Note:

By Commission Order (FCC 65-455), 30 FR 7419, June 5, 1965, the Commission issued the following policy statement concerning the height of radio and television antenna towers:

“We have concluded that this objective can best be achieved by adopting the following policy: Applications for antenna towers higher than 2,000 feet above ground will be presumed to be inconsistent with the public interest, and the applicant will have a burden of overcoming that strong presumption. The applicant must accompany its application with a detailed showing directed to meeting this burden. Only in the exceptional case, where the Commission concludes that a clear and compelling showing has been made that there are public interest reasons requiring a tower higher than 2,000 feet above ground, and after the parties have complied with applicable FAA procedures, and full Commission coordination with FAA on the question of menace to air navigation, will a grant be made. Applicants and parties in interest will, of course, be afforded their statutory hearing rights.”
[28 FR 12415, Nov. 22, 1963, as amended at 32 FR 8813, June 21, 1967; 32 FR 20860, Dec. 28, 1967; 34 FR 6481, Apr. 15, 1969; 45 FR 55201, Aug. 19, 1980; 58 FR 13021, Mar. 9, 1993, 61 FR 4361, Feb. 6, 1996; 77 FR 3952, Jan. 26, 2012; 79 FR 56984, Sept. 24, 2014]

§ 1.62 - Operation pending action on renewal application.

(a)(1) Where there is pending before the Commission at the time of expiration of license any proper and timely application for renewal of license with respect to any activity of a continuing nature, in accordance with the provisions of section 9(b) of the Administrative Procedure Act, such license shall continue in effect without further action by the Commission until such time as the Commission shall make a final determination with respect to the renewal application. No operation by any licensee under this section shall be construed as a finding by the Commission that the operation will serve the public interest, convenience, or necessity, nor shall such operation in any way affect or limit the action of the Commission with respect to any pending application or proceeding.

(2) A non-broadcast licensee operating by virtue of this paragraph (a) shall, after the date of expiration specified in the license, post, in addition to the original license, any acknowledgment received from the Commission that the renewal application has been accepted for filing or a signed copy of the application for renewal of license which has been submitted by the licensee, or in services other than common carrier, a statement certifying that the licensee has mailed or filed a renewal application, specifying the date of mailing or filing.

(b) Where there is pending before the Commission at the time of expiration of license any proper and timely application for renewal or extension of the term of a license with respect to any activity not of a continuing nature, the Commission may in its discretion grant a temporary extension of such license pending determination of such application. No such temporary extension shall be construed as a finding by the Commission that the operation of any radio station thereunder will serve the public interest, convenience, or necessity beyond the express terms of such temporary extension of license, nor shall such temporary extension in any way affect or limit the action of the Commission with respect to any pending application or proceeding.

(c) Except where an instrument of authorization clearly states on its face that it relates to an activity not of a continuing nature, or where the non-continuing nature is otherwise clearly apparent upon the face of the authorization, all licenses issued by the Commission shall be deemed to be related to an activity of a continuing nature.

(5 U.S.C. 558) [28 FR 12415, Nov. 22, 1963, as amended at 84 FR 2758, Feb. 8, 2019]

§ 1.65 - Substantial and significant changes in information furnished by applicants to the Commission.

(a) Each applicant is responsible for the continuing accuracy and completeness of information furnished in a pending application or in Commission proceedings involving a pending application. Except as otherwise required by rules applicable to particular types of applications, whenever the information furnished in the pending application is no longer substantially accurate and complete in all significant respects, the applicant shall as promptly as possible and in any event within 30 days, unless good cause is shown, amend or request the amendment of the application so as to furnish such additional or corrected information as may be appropriate. Except as otherwise required by rules applicable to particular types of applications, whenever there has been a substantial change as to any other matter which may be of decisional significance in a Commission proceeding involving the pending application, the applicant shall as promptly as possible and in any event within 30 days, unless good cause is shown, submit a statement furnishing such additional or corrected information as may be appropriate, which shall be served upon parties of record in accordance with § 1.47. Where the matter is before any court for review, statements and requests to amend shall in addition be served upon the Commission's General Counsel. For the purposes of this section, an application is “pending” before the Commission from the time it is accepted for filing by the Commission until a Commission grant or denial of the application is no longer subject to reconsideration by the Commission or to review by any court.

(b) Applications in broadcast services subject to competitive bidding will be subject to the provisions of §§ 1.2105(b), 73.5002 and 73.3522 of this chapter regarding the modification of their applications.

(c) All broadcast permittees and licensees must report annually to the Commission any adverse finding or adverse final action taken by any court or administrative body that involves conduct bearing on the permittee's or licensee's character qualifications and that would be reportable in connection with an application for renewal as reflected in the renewal form. If a report is required by this paragraph(s), it shall be filed on the anniversary of the date that the licensee's renewal application is required to be filed, except that licensees owning multiple stations with different anniversary dates need file only one report per year on the anniversary of their choice, provided that their reports are not more than one year apart. Permittees and licensees bear the obligation to make diligent, good faith efforts to become knowledgeable of any such reportable adjudicated misconduct.

Note:

The terms adverse finding and adverse final action as used in paragraph (c) of this section include adjudications made by an ultimate trier of fact, whether a government agency or court, but do not include factual determinations which are subject to review de novo unless the time for taking such review has expired under the relevant procedural rules. The pendency of an appeal of an adverse finding or adverse final action does not relieve a permittee or licensee from its obligation to report the finding or action.

[48 FR 27200, June 13, 1983, as amended at 55 FR 23084, June 6, 1990; 56 FR 25635, June 5, 1991; 56 FR 44009, Sept. 6, 1991; 57 FR 47412, Oct. 16, 1992; 63 FR 48622, Sept. 11, 1998; 69 FR 72026, Dec. 10, 2004; 75 FR 4702, Jan. 29, 2010]

§ 1.68 - Action on application for license to cover construction permit.

(a) An application for license by the lawful holder of a construction permit will be granted without hearing where the Commission, upon examination of such application, finds that all the terms, conditions, and obligations set forth in the application and permit have been fully met, and that no cause or circumstance arising or first coming to the knowledge of the Commission since the granting of the permit would, in the judgment of the Commission, make the operation of such station against the public interest.

(b) In the event the Commission is unable to make the findings in paragraph (a) of this section, the Commission will designate the application for hearing upon specified issues.

(Sec. 319, 48 Stat. 1089, as amended; 47 U.S.C. 319)

§ 1.77 - Detailed application procedures; cross references.

The application procedures set forth in §§ 1.61 through 1.68 are general in nature. Applicants should also refer to the Commission rules regarding the payment of statutory charges (subpart G of this part) and the use of the FCC Registration Number (FRN) (see subpart W of this part). More detailed procedures are set forth in this chapter as follows:

(a) Rules governing applications for authorizations in the Broadcast Radio Services are set forth in subpart D of this part.

(b) Rules governing applications for authorizations in the Common Carrier Radio Services are set forth in subpart E of this part.

(c) Rules governing applications for authorizations in the Private Radio Services are set forth in subpart F of this part.

(d) Rules governing applications for authorizations in the Experimental Radio Service are set forth in part 5 of this chapter.

(e) Rules governing applications for authorizations in the Domestic Public Radio Services are set forth in part 21 of this chapter.

(f) Rules governing applications for authorizations in the Industrial, Scientific, and Medical Service are set forth in part 18 of this chapter.

(g) Rules governing applications for certification of equipment are set forth in part 2, subpart J, of this chapter.

(h) Rules governing applications for commercial radio operator licenses are set forth in part 13 of this chapter.

(i) Rules governing applications for authorizations in the Common Carrier and Private Radio terrestrial microwave services and Local Multipoint Distribution Services are set out in part 101 of this chapter.

[28 FR 12415, Nov. 22, 1963, as amended at 44 FR 39180, July 5, 1979; 47 FR 53378, Nov. 26, 1982; 61 FR 26670, May 28, 1996; 62 FR 23162, Apr. 29, 1997; 63 FR 36596, July 7, 1998; 66 FR 47895, Sept. 14, 2001; 78 FR 25160, Apr. 29, 2013]

Miscellaneous Proceedings

§ 1.80 - Forfeiture proceedings.

(a) Persons against whom and violations for which a forfeiture may be assessed. A forfeiture penalty may be assessed against any person found to have:

(1) Willfully or repeatedly failed to comply substantially with the terms and conditions of any license, permit, certificate, or other instrument of authorization issued by the Commission;

(2) Willfully or repeatedly failed to comply with any of the provisions of the Communications Act of 1934, as amended; or of any rule, regulation or order issued by the Commission under that Act or under any treaty, convention, or other agreement to which the United States is a party and which is binding on the United States;

(3) Violated any provision of section 317(c) or 508(a) of the Communications Act;

(4) Violated any provision of sections 227(b) or (e) of the Communications Act or of §§ 64.1200(a)(1) through (5) and 64.1604 of this title;

(5) Violated any provision of section 511(a) or (b) of the Communications Act or of paragraph (b)(6) of this section;

(6) Violated any provision of section 1304, 1343, or 1464 of Title 18, United States Code; or

(7) Violated any provision of section 6507 of the Middle Class Tax Relief and Job Creation Act of 2012 or any rule, regulation, or order issued by the Commission under that statute.

(8) Violated section 60506 of the Infrastructure and Jobs Act of 2021 or 47 CFR part 16.

Note 1 to paragraph (a):

A forfeiture penalty assessed under this section is in addition to any other penalty provided for by the Communications Act, except that the penalties provided for in paragraphs (b)(1) through (4) of this section shall not apply to conduct which is subject to a forfeiture penalty or fine under sections 202(c), 203(e), 205(b), 214(d), 219(b), 220(d), 223(b), 364(a), 364(b), 386(a), 386(b), 506, and 634 of the Communications Act. The remaining provisions of this section are applicable to such conduct.

(b) Limits on the amount of forfeiture assessed—(1) Forfeiture penalty for a broadcast station licensee, permittee, cable television operator, or applicant. If the violator is a broadcast station licensee or permittee, a cable television operator, or an applicant for any broadcast or cable television operator license, permit, certificate, or other instrument of authorization issued by the Commission, except as otherwise noted in this paragraph (b)(1), the forfeiture penalty under this section shall not exceed $61,238 for each violation or each day of a continuing violation, except that the amount assessed for any continuing violation shall not exceed a total of $612,395 for any single act or failure to act described in paragraph (a) of this section. There is no limit on forfeiture assessments for EEO violations by cable operators that occur after notification by the Commission of a potential violation. See section 634(f)(2) of the Communications Act (47 U.S.C. 554). Notwithstanding the foregoing in this section, if the violator is a broadcast station licensee or permittee or an applicant for any broadcast license, permit, certificate, or other instrument of authorization issued by the Commission, and if the violator is determined by the Commission to have broadcast obscene, indecent, or profane material, the forfeiture penalty under this section shall not exceed $495,500 for each violation or each day of a continuing violation, except that the amount assessed for any continuing violation shall not exceed a total of $4,573,840 for any single act or failure to act described in paragraph (a) of this section.

(2) Forfeiture penalty for a common carrier or applicant. If the violator is a common carrier subject to the provisions of the Communications Act or an applicant for any common carrier license, permit, certificate, or other instrument of authorization issued by the Commission, the amount of any forfeiture penalty determined under this section shall not exceed $244,958 for each violation or each day of a continuing violation, except that the amount assessed for any continuing violation shall not exceed a total of $2,449,575 for any single act or failure to act described in paragraph (a) of this section.

(3) Forfeiture penalty for a manufacturer or service provider. If the violator is a manufacturer or service provider subject to the requirements of section 255, 716, or 718 of the Communications Act (47 U.S.C. 255, 617, or 619), and is determined by the Commission to have violated any such requirement, the manufacturer or service provider shall be liable to the United States for a forfeiture penalty of not more than $140,674 for each violation or each day of a continuing violation, except that the amount assessed for any continuing violation shall not exceed a total of $1,406,728 for any single act or failure to act.

(4) Forfeiture penalty for a 227(e) violation. Any person determined to have violated section 227(e) of the Communications Act or the rules issued by the Commission under section 227(e) of the Communications Act shall be liable to the United States for a forfeiture penalty of not more than $14,067 for each violation or three times that amount for each day of a continuing violation, except that the amount assessed for any continuing violation shall not exceed a total of $1,406,728 for any single act or failure to act. Such penalty shall be in addition to any other forfeiture penalty provided for by the Communications Act.

(5) Forfeiture penalty for a 227(b)(4)(B) violation. Any person determined to have violated section 227(b)(4)(B) of the Communications Act or the rules in 47 CFR part 64 issued by the Commission under section 227(b)(4)(B) of the Communications Act shall be liable to the United States for a forfeiture penalty determined in accordance with paragraphs (A)-(F) of section 503(b)(2) plus an additional penalty not to exceed $11,955.

(6) Forfeiture penalty for pirate radio broadcasting. (i) Any person who willfully and knowingly does or causes or suffers to be done any pirate radio broadcasting shall be subject to a fine of not more than $2,391,097; and

(ii) Any person who willfully and knowingly violates the Act or any rule, regulation, restriction, or condition made or imposed by the Commission under authority of the Act, or any rule, regulation, restriction, or condition made or imposed by any international radio or wire communications treaty or convention, or regulations annexed thereto, to which the United States is party, relating to pirate radio broadcasting shall, in addition to any other penalties provided by law, be subject to a fine of not more than $119,555 for each day during which such offense occurs, in accordance with the limit described in this section.

(7) Forfeiture penalty for a section 6507(b)(4) Tax Relief Act violation. If a violator who is granted access to the Do-Not-Call registry of public safety answering points discloses or disseminates any registered telephone number without authorization, in violation of section 6507(b)(4) of the Middle Class Tax Relief and Job Creation Act of 2012 or the Commission's implementing rules in 47 CFR part 64, the monetary penalty for such unauthorized disclosure or dissemination of a telephone number from the registry shall be not less than $131,738 per incident nor more than $1,317,380 per incident depending upon whether the conduct leading to the violation was negligent, grossly negligent, reckless, or willful, and depending on whether the violation was a first or subsequent offense.

(8) Forfeiture penalty for a section 6507(b)(5) Tax Relief Act violation. If a violator uses automatic dialing equipment to contact a telephone number on the Do-Not-Call registry of public safety answering points, in violation of section 6507(b)(5) of the Middle Class Tax Relief and Job Creation Act of 2012 or the Commission's implementing rules in 47 CFR part 64, the monetary penalty for contacting such a telephone number shall be not less than $13,174 per call nor more than $131,738 per call depending on whether the violation was negligent, grossly negligent, reckless, or willful, and depending on whether the violation was a first or subsequent offense.

(9) Forfeiture penalty for a failure to block. Any person determined to have failed to block illegal robocalls pursuant to §§ 64.6305(g) and 64.1200(n) of this chapter shall be liable to the United States for a forfeiture penalty of no more than $24,496 for each violation, to be assessed on a per-call basis.

(10) Maximum forfeiture penalty for any case not previously covered. In any case not covered in paragraphs (b)(1) through (9) of this section, the amount of any forfeiture penalty determined under this section shall not exceed $24,496 for each violation or each day of a continuing violation, except that the amount assessed for any continuing violation shall not exceed a total of $183,718 for any single act or failure to act described in paragraph (a) of this section.

(11) Factors considered in determining the amount of the forfeiture penalty. In determining the amount of the forfeiture penalty, the Commission or its designee will take into account the nature, circumstances, extent and gravity of the violations and, with respect to the violator, the degree of culpability, any history of prior offenses, ability to pay, and such other matters as justice may require.

Table 1 to Paragraph (b)(11)—Base Amounts for Section 503 Forfeitures

Forfeitures Violation
amount
Misrepresentation/lack of candor( 1) Failure to file required DODC required forms, and/or filing materially inaccurate or incomplete DODC information$15,000 Construction and/or operation without an instrument of authorization for the service10,000 Failure to comply with prescribed lighting and/or marking10,000 Violation of public file rules10,000 Violation of political rules: Reasonable access, lowest unit charge, equal opportunity, and discrimination9,000 Unauthorized substantial transfer of control8,000 Violation of children's television commercialization or programming requirements8,000 Violations of rules relating to distress and safety frequencies8,000 False distress communications8,000 EAS equipment not installed or operational8,000 Alien ownership violation8,000 Failure to permit inspection7,000 Transmission of indecent/obscene materials7,000 Interference7,000 Importation or marketing of unauthorized equipment7,000 Exceeding of authorized antenna height5,000 Fraud by wire, radio or television5,000 Unauthorized discontinuance of service5,000 Use of unauthorized equipment5,000 Exceeding power limits4,000 Failure to Respond to Commission communications4,000 Violation of sponsorship ID requirements4,000 Unauthorized emissions4,000 Using unauthorized frequency4,000 Failure to engage in required frequency coordination4,000 Construction or operation at unauthorized location4,000 Violation of requirements pertaining to broadcasting of lotteries or contests4,000 Violation of transmitter control and metering requirements3,000 Failure to file required forms or information3,000 Per call violations of the robocall blocking rules2,500 Failure to make required measurements or conduct required monitoring2,000 Failure to provide station ID1,000 Unauthorized pro forma transfer of control1,000 Failure to maintain required records1,000

Table 2 to Paragraph (b)(11)—Violations Unique to the Service

Violation Services affected Amount Unauthorized conversion of long distance telephone serviceCommon Carrier$40,000 Violation of operator services requirementsCommon Carrier7,000 Violation of pay-per-call requirementsCommon Carrier7,000 Failure to implement rate reduction or refund orderCable7,500 Violation of cable program access rulesCable7,500 Violation of cable leased access rulesCable7,500 Violation of cable cross-ownership rulesCable7,500 Violation of cable broadcast carriage rulesCable7,500 Violation of pole attachment rulesCable7,500 Failure to maintain directional pattern within prescribed parametersBroadcast7,000 Violation of broadcast hoax ruleBroadcast7,000 AM tower fencingBroadcast7,000 Broadcasting telephone conversations without authorizationBroadcast4,000 Violation of enhanced underwriting requirementsBroadcast2,000

Table 3 to Paragraph (b)(11)—Adjustment Criteria for Section 503 Forfeitures

Upward Adjustment Criteria:(1) Egregious misconduct. (2) Ability to pay/relative disincentive. (3) Intentional violation. (4) Substantial harm. (5) Prior violations of any FCC requirements. (6) Substantial economic gain. (7) Repeated or continuous violation. Downward Adjustment Criteria:(1) Minor violation. (2) Good faith or voluntary disclosure. (3) History of overall compliance. (4) Inability to pay.

Table 4 to Paragraph (b)(11)—Non-Section 503 Forfeitures That Are Affected by the Downward Adjustment Factors 1

Violation Statutory amount after 2024 annual inflation adjustment Sec. 202(c) Common Carrier Discrimination$14,697, $735/day. Sec. 203(e) Common Carrier Tariffs$14,697, $735/day. Sec. 205(b) Common Carrier Prescriptions$29,395. Sec. 214(d) Common Carrier Line Extensions$2,939/day. Sec. 219(b) Common Carrier Reports$2,939/day. Sec. 220(d) Common Carrier Records & Accounts$14,697/day. Sec. 223(b) Dial-a-Porn$152,310/day. Sec. 227(e) Caller Identification$14,067/violation.
$42,200/day for each day of continuing violation, up to $1,406,728 for any single act or failure to act.
Sec. 364(a) Forfeitures (Ships)$12,249/day (owner). Sec. 364(b) Forfeitures (Ships)$2,451 (vessel master). Sec. 386(a) Forfeitures (Ships)$12,249/day (owner). Sec. 386(b) Forfeitures (Ships)$2,451 (vessel master). Sec. 511 Pirate Radio Broadcasting$2,391,097, $119,555/day. Sec. 634 Cable EEO$1,086/day.

1 Unlike section 503 of the Act, which establishes maximum forfeiture amounts, other sections of the Act, with two exceptions, state prescribed amounts of forfeitures for violations of the relevant section. These amounts are then subject to mitigation or remission under section 504 of the Act. One exception is section 223 of the Act, which provides a maximum forfeiture per day. For convenience, the Commission will treat this amount as if it were a prescribed base amount, subject to downward adjustments. The other exception is section 227(e) of the Act, which provides maximum forfeitures per violation, and for continuing violations. The Commission will apply the factors set forth in section 503(b)(2)(E) of the Act and this table 4 to determine the amount of the penalty to assess in any particular situation. The amounts in this table 4 are adjusted for inflation pursuant to the Debt Collection Improvement Act of 1996 (DCIA), 28 U.S.C. 2461. These non-section 503 forfeitures may be adjusted downward using the “Downward Adjustment Criteria” shown for section 503 forfeitures in table 3 to this paragraph (b)(11).

Note 2 to paragraph (b)(11):

Guidelines for Assessing Forfeitures. The Commission and its staff may use the guidelines in tables 1 through 4 of this paragraph (b)(11) in particular cases. The Commission and its staff retain the discretion to issue a higher or lower forfeiture than provided in the guidelines, to issue no forfeiture at all, or to apply alternative or additional sanctions as permitted by the statute. The forfeiture ceilings per violation or per day for a continuing violation stated in section 503 of the Communications Act and the Commission's rules are described in paragraph (b)(12) of this section. These statutory maxima became effective September 13, 2013. Forfeitures issued under other sections of the Act are dealt with separately in table 4 to this paragraph (b)(11).

(12) Inflation adjustments to the maximum forfeiture amount. (i) Pursuant to the Federal Civil Penalties Inflation Adjustment Act Improvements Act of 2015, Public Law 114-74 (129 Stat. 599-600), which amends the Federal Civil Monetary Penalty Inflation Adjustment Act of 1990, Public Law 101-410 (104 Stat. 890; 28 U.S.C. 2461 note), the statutory maximum amount of a forfeiture penalty assessed under this section shall be adjusted annually for inflation by order published no later than January 15 each year. Annual inflation adjustments will be based on the percentage (if any) by which the Consumer Price Index for all Urban Consumers (CPI-U) for October preceding the date of the adjustment exceeds the prior year's CPI-U for October. The Office of Management and Budget (OMB) will issue adjustment rate guidance no later than December 15 each year to adjust for inflation in the CPI-U as of the most recent October.

(ii) The application of the annual inflation adjustment required by the foregoing Federal Civil Penalties Inflation Adjustment Act Improvements Act of 2015 results in the following adjusted statutory maximum forfeitures authorized by the Communications Act:

Table 5 to Paragraph (b)(12)(ii)

U.S. Code citation Maximum penalty after 2024 annual inflation adjustment 47 U.S.C. 202(c)$14,697.
$735.
47 U.S.C. 203(e)$14,697.
$735.
47 U.S.C. 205(b)$29,395. 47 U.S.C. 214(d)$2,939. 47 U.S.C. 219(b)$2,939. 47 U.S.C. 220(d)$14,697. 47 U.S.C. 223(b)$152,310. 47 U.S.C. 227(b)(4)(B)$61,238, plus an additional penalty not to exceed $11,955.
$612,395, plus an additional penalty not to exceed $11,955.
$244,958, plus an additional penalty not to exceed $11,955.
$2,449,575, plus an additional penalty not to exceed $11,955.
$495,500, plus an additional penalty not to exceed $11,955.
$4,573,840, plus an additional penalty not to exceed $11,955.
$24,496, plus an additional penalty not to exceed $11,955.
$183,718, plus an additional penalty not to exceed $11,955.
$140,674, plus an additional penalty not to exceed $11,955.
$1,406,728, plus an additional penalty not to exceed $11,955.
47 U.S.C. 227(e)$14,067.
$42,200.
$1,406,728.
47 U.S.C. 362(a)$12,249. 47 U.S.C. 362(b)$2,451. 47 U.S.C. 386(a)$12,249. 47 U.S.C. 386(b)$2,451. 47 U.S.C. 503(b)(2)(A)$61,238.
$612,395.
47 U.S.C. 503(b)(2)(B)$244,958.
$2,449,575.
47 U.S.C. 503(b)(2)(C)$495,500.
$4,573,840.
47 U.S.C. 503(b)(2)(D)$24,496.
$183,718.
47 U.S.C. 503(b)(2)(F)$140,674.
$1,406,728.
47 U.S.C. 507(a)$2,426. 47 U.S.C. 507(b)$356. 47 U.S.C. 511$2,391,097.
$119,555.
47 U.S.C. 554$1,086. Sec. 6507(b)(4) of Tax Relief Act$1,317,380/incident. Sec. 6507(b)(5) of Tax Relief Act$131,738/call.
Note 3 to paragraph (b)(12):

Pursuant to Public Law 104-134, the first inflation adjustment cannot exceed 10 percent of the statutory maximum amount.

(c) Limits on the time when a proceeding may be initiated. (1) In the case of a broadcast station, no forfeiture penalty shall be imposed if the violation occurred more than 1 year prior to the issuance of the appropriate notice or prior to the date of commencement of the current license term, whichever is earlier. For purposes of this paragraph, “date of commencement of the current license term” means the date of commencement of the last term of license for which the licensee has been granted a license by the Commission. A separate license term shall not be deemed to have commenced as a result of continuing a license in effect under section 307(c) pending decision on an application for renewal of the license.

(2) In the case of a forfeiture imposed against a carrier under sections 202(c), 203(e), and 220(d), no forfeiture will be imposed if the violation occurred more than 5 years prior to the issuance of a notice of apparent liability.

(3) In the case of a forfeiture imposed under section 227(e), no forfeiture will be imposed if the violation occurred more than 4 years prior to the date on which the appropriate notice was issued.

(4) In the case of a forfeiture imposed under section 227(b)(4)(B), no forfeiture will be imposed if the violation occurred more than 4 years prior to the date on which the appropriate notice is issued.

(5) In all other cases, no penalty shall be imposed if the violation occurred more than 1 year prior to the date on which the appropriate notice is issued.

(d) Preliminary procedure in some cases; citations. Except for a forfeiture imposed under sections 227(b), 227(e)(5), 511(a), and 511(b) of the Act, no forfeiture penalty shall be imposed upon any person under the preceding sections if such person does not hold a license, permit, certificate, or other authorization issued by the Commission, and if such person is not an applicant for a license, permit, certificate, or other authorization issued by the Commission, unless, prior to the issuance of the appropriate notice, such person:

(1) Is sent a citation reciting the violation charged;

(2) Is given a reasonable opportunity (usually 30 days) to request a personal interview with a Commission official, at the field office which is nearest to such person's place of residence; and

(3) Subsequently engages in conduct of the type described in the citation. However, a forfeiture penalty may be imposed, if such person is engaged in (and the violation relates to) activities for which a license, permit, certificate, or other authorization is required or if such person is a cable television operator, or in the case of violations of section 303(q), if the person involved is a nonlicensee tower owner who has previously received notice of the obligations imposed by section 303(q) from the Commission or the permittee or licensee who uses that tower. Paragraph (c) of this section does not limit the issuance of citations. When the requirements of this paragraph have been satisfied with respect to a particular violation by a particular person, a forfeiture penalty may be imposed upon such person for conduct of the type described in the citation without issuance of an additional citation.

(e) Preliminary procedure in Preventing Illegal Radio Abuse Through Enforcement Act (PIRATE Act) cases. Absent good cause, in any case alleging a violation of subsection (a) or (b) of section 511 of the Act, the Commission shall proceed directly to issue a notice of apparent liability for forfeiture without first issuing a notice of unlicensed operation.

(f) Alternative procedures. In the discretion of the Commission, a forfeiture proceeding may be initiated either: (1) By issuing a notice of apparent liability, in accordance with paragraph (f) of this section, or (2) a notice of opportunity for hearing, in accordance with paragraph (g).

(g) Notice of apparent liability. Before imposing a forfeiture penalty under the provisions of this paragraph, the Commission or its designee will issue a written notice of apparent liability.

(1) Content of notice. The notice of apparent liability will:

(i) Identify each specific provision, term, or condition of any act, rule, regulation, order, treaty, convention, or other agreement, license, permit, certificate, or instrument of authorization which the respondent has apparently violated or with which he has failed to comply,

(ii) Set forth the nature of the act or omission charged against the respondent and the facts upon which such charge is based,

(iii) State the date(s) on which such conduct occurred, and

(iv) Specify the amount of the apparent forfeiture penalty.

(2) Delivery. The notice of apparent liability will be sent to the respondent, by certified mail, at his last known address (see § 1.5).

(3) Response. The respondent will be afforded a reasonable period of time (usually 30 days from the date of the notice) to show, in writing, why a forfeiture penalty should not be imposed or should be reduced, or to pay the forfeiture. Any showing as to why the forfeiture should not be imposed or should be reduced shall include a detailed factual statement and such documentation and affidavits as may be pertinent.

(4) Forfeiture order. If the proposed forfeiture penalty is not paid in full in response to the notice of apparent liability, the Commission, upon considering all relevant information available to it, will issue an order canceling or reducing the proposed forfeiture or requiring that it be paid in full and stating the date by which the forfeiture must be paid.

(5) Judicial enforcement of forfeiture order. If the forfeiture is not paid, the case will be referred to the Department of Justice for collection under section 504(a) of the Communications Act.

(h) Notice of opportunity for hearing. The procedures set out in this paragraph apply only when a formal hearing under section 503(b)(3)(A) of the Communications Act is being held to determine whether to assess a forfeiture penalty.

(1) Before imposing a forfeiture penalty, the Commission may, in its discretion, issue a notice of opportunity for hearing. The formal hearing proceeding shall be conducted by an administrative law judge under procedures set out in subpart B of this part, including procedures for appeal and review of initial decisions. A final Commission order assessing a forfeiture under the provisions of this paragraph is subject to judicial review under section 402(a) of the Communications Act.

(2) If, after a forfeiture penalty is imposed and not appealed or after a court enters final judgment in favor of the Commission, the forfeiture is not paid, the Commission will refer the matter to the Department of Justice for collection. In an action to recover the forfeiture, the validity and appropriateness of the order imposing the forfeiture are not subject to review.

(3) Where the possible assessment of a forfeiture is an issue in a hearing proceeding to determine whether a pending application should be granted, and the application is dismissed pursuant to a settlement agreement or otherwise, and the presiding judge has not made a determination on the forfeiture issue, the presiding judge shall forward the order of dismissal to the attention of the full Commission. Within the time provided by § 1.117, the Commission may, on its own motion, proceed with a determination of whether a forfeiture against the applicant is warranted. If the Commission so proceeds, it will provide the applicant with a reasonable opportunity to respond to the forfeiture issue (see paragraph (f)(3) of this section) and make a determination under the procedures outlined in paragraph (f) of this section.

(i) Payment. The forfeiture should be paid electronically using the Commission's electronic payment system in accordance with the procedures set forth on the Commission's website, www.fcc.gov/licensing-databases/fees.

(j) Remission and mitigation. In its discretion, the Commission, or its designee, may remit or reduce any forfeiture imposed under this section. After issuance of a forfeiture order, any request that it do so shall be submitted as a petition for reconsideration pursuant to § 1.106.

(k) Effective date. Amendments to paragraph (b) of this section implementing Pub. L. No. 101-239 are effective December 19, 1989.

[43 FR 49308, Oct. 23, 1978, as amended at 48 FR 15631, Apr. 12, 1983; 50 FR 40855, Oct. 7, 1985; 55 FR 25605, June 22, 1990; 56 FR 25638, June 5, 1991; 57 FR 23161, June 2, 1992; 57 FR 47006, Oct. 14, 1992; 57 FR 48333, Oct. 23, 1992; 58 FR 6896, Feb. 3, 1993; 58 FR 27473, May 10, 1993; 62 FR 4918, Feb. 3, 1997; 62 FR 43475, Aug. 14, 1997; 63 FR 26992, May 15, 1998; 65 FR 60868, Oct. 13, 2000; 69 FR 47789, Aug. 6, 2004; 72 FR 33914, June 20, 2007; 73 FR 9018, Feb. 19, 2008; 73 FR 44664, July 31, 2008; 76 FR 43203, July 20, 2011; 76 FR 82388, Dec. 30, 2011; 77 FR 71137, Nov. 29, 2012; 78 FR 10100, Feb. 13, 2013; 78 FR 49371, Aug. 14, 2013; 81 FR 42555, June 30, 2016; 82 FR 8171, Jan. 24, 2017; 82 FR 57882, Dec. 8, 2017; 83 FR 4600, Feb. 1. 2018; 84 FR 2462, Feb. 7, 2019; 85 FR 2318, Jan. 15, 2020; 85 FR 22029, Apr. 21, 2020; 85 FR 38333, June 26, 2020; 85 FR 63172, Oct. 6, 2020; 86 FR 3830, Jan. 15, 2021; 86 FR 15797, Mar. 25, 2021; 86 FR 18159, Apr. 7, 2021; 87 FR 397, Jan. 5, 2022; 88 FR 784, Jan. 5, 2023; 88 FR 40116, June 21, 2023; 89 FR 2149, Jan. 12, 2024; 89 FR 4162, Jan. 22, 2024]

§ 1.83 - Applications for radio operator licenses.

(a) Application filing procedures for amateur radio operator licenses are set forth in part 97 of this chapter.

(b) Application filing procedures for commercial radio operator licenses are set forth in part 13 of this chapter. Detailed information about application forms, filing procedures, and where to file applications for commercial radio operator licenses is contained in the bulletin “Commercial Radio Operator Licenses and Permits.” This bulletin is available from the Commission's Forms Distribution Center by calling 1-800-418-FORM (3676).

[47 FR 53378, Nov. 26, 1982, as amended at 58 FR 13021, Mar. 9, 1993; 63 FR 68920, Dec. 14, 1998]

§ 1.85 - Suspension of operator licenses.

Whenever grounds exist for suspension of an operator license, as provided in section 303(m) of the Communications Act, the Chief of the Wireless Telecommunications Bureau, with respect to amateur and commercial radio operator licenses, may issue an order suspending the operator license. No order of suspension of any operator's license shall take effect until 15 days' notice in writing of the cause for the proposed suspension has been given to the operator licensee, who may make written application to the Commission at any time within the said 15 days for a hearing upon such order. The notice to the operator licensee shall not be effective until actually received by him, and from that time he shall have 15 days in which to email the said application. In the event that conditions prevent emailing of the application before the expiration of the 15-day period, the application shall then be emailed as soon as possible thereafter, accompanied by a satisfactory explanation of the delay. Upon receipt by the Commission of such application for hearing, said order of suspension shall be designated for hearing by the Chief, Wireless Telecommunications Bureau and said suspension shall be held in abeyance until the conclusion of the hearing. Upon the conclusion of said hearing, the Commission may affirm, modify, or revoke said order of suspension. If the license is ordered suspended, the operator shall send his operator license to the Mobility Division, Wireless Telecommunications Bureau, in Washington, DC, on or before the effective date of the order, or, if the effective date has passed at the time notice is received, the license shall be sent to the Commission forthwith.

[85 FR 85529, Dec. 29, 2020]

§ 1.87 - Modification of license or construction permit on motion of the Commission.

(a) Whenever it appears that a station license or construction permit should be modified, the Commission shall notify the licensee or permittee in writing of the proposed action and reasons therefor, and afford the licensee or permittee at least thirty days to protest such proposed order of modification, except that, where safety of life or property is involved, the Commission may by order provide a shorter period of time.

(b) The notification required in paragraph (a) of this section may be effectuated by a notice of proposed rulemaking in regard to a modification or addition of an FM or television channel to the Table of Allotments (§§ 73.202 and 73.504 of this chapter) or Table of Assignments (§ 73.606 of this chapter). The Commission shall send a copy of any such notice of proposed rulemaking to the affected licensee or permittee by email. For modifications involving Wireless Radio Services, the Commission shall notify the licensee or permittee by email of the proposed action and reasons therefor, and afford the licensee or permittee at least thirty days to protest such proposed order of modification, except that:

(1) Where safety of life or property is involved, the Commission may by order provide a shorter period of time; and

(2) Where the notification required in paragraph (a) of this section is effectuated by publication in the Federal Register, the Commission shall afford the licensee or permittee at least thirty days after publication in the Federal Register to protest such proposed order of modification.

(c) Any other licensee or permittee who believes that its license or permit would be modified by the proposed action may also protest the proposed action before its effective date.

(d) Any protest filed pursuant to this section shall be subject to the requirements of section 309 of the Communications Act of 1934, as amended, for petitions to deny.

(e) In any case where a hearing proceeding is conducted pursuant to the provisions of this section, both the burden of proceeding with the introduction of evidence and the burden of proof shall be upon the Commission except that, with respect to any issue that pertains to the question of whether the proposed action would modify the license or permit of a person filing a protest pursuant to paragraph (c) of this section, such burdens shall be as described by the Commission.

(f) In order to use the right to a hearing and the opportunity to give evidence upon the issues specified in any order designating a matter for hearing, any licensee, or permittee, itself or by counsel, shall, within the period of time as may be specified in that order, file with the Commission a written appearance stating that it will present evidence on the matters specified in the order and, if required, appear before the presiding officer at a date and time to be determined.

(g) The right to file a protest or the right to a hearing proceeding shall, unless good cause is shown in a petition to be filed not later than 5 days before the lapse of time specified in paragraph (a) or (f) of this section, be deemed waived:

(1) In case of failure to timely file the protest as required by paragraph (a) of this section or a written statement as required by paragraph (f) of this section.

(2) In case of filing a written statement provided for in paragraph (f) of this section but failing to appear at the hearing, either in person or by counsel.

(h) Where the right to file a protest or have a hearing is waived, the licensee or permittee will be deemed to have consented to the modification as proposed and a final decision may be issued by the Commission accordingly. Irrespective of any waiver as provided for in paragraph (g) of this section or failure by the licensee or permittee to raise a substantial and material question of fact concerning the proposed modification in his protest, the Commission may, on its own motion, designate the proposed modification for hearing in accordance with this section.

(i) Any order of modification issued pursuant to this section shall include a statement of the findings and the grounds and reasons therefor, shall specify the effective date of the modification, and shall be served on the licensee or permittee.

[52 FR 22654, June 15, 1987, as amended at 85 FR 63172, Oct. 6, 2020; 85 FR 85529, Dec. 29, 2020]

§ 1.88 - Predesignation pleading procedure.

In cases where an investigation is being conducted by the Commission in connection with the operation of a broadcast station or a pending application for renewal of a broadcast license, the licensee may file a written statement to the Commission setting forth its views regarding the matters under investigation; the staff, in its discretion, may in writing, advise such licensee of the general nature of the investigation, and advise the licensee of its opportunity to submit such a statement to the staff. Any filing by the licensee will be forwarded to the Commission in conjunction with any staff memorandum recommending that the Commission take action as a result of the invesigation. Nothing in this rule shall supersede the application of our ex parte rules to situations described in § 1.1203 of these rules.

(Secs. 4, 303, 307, 48 Stat., as amended, 1066, 1082, 1083; (47 U.S.C. 154, 303, 307)) [45 FR 65597, Oct. 3, 1980]

§ 1.89 - Notice of violations.

(a) Except in cases of willfulness or those in which public health, interest, or safety requires otherwise, any person who holds a license, permit or other authorization appearing to have violated any provision of the Communications Act or any provision of this chapter will, before revocation, suspension, or cease and desist proceedings are instituted, be served with a written notice calling these facts to his or her attention and requesting a statement concerning the matter. FCC Form 793 may be used for this purpose. The Notice of Violation may be combined with a Notice of Apparent Liability to Monetary Forfeiture. In such event, notwithstanding the Notice of Violation, the provisions of § 1.80 apply and not those of § 1.89.

(b) Within 10 days from receipt of notice or such other period as may be specified, the recipient shall send a written answer, in duplicate, directly to the Commission office originating the official notice. If an answer cannot be sent or an acknowledgment cannot be made within such 10-day period by reason of illness or other unavoidable circumstance, acknowledgment and answer shall be made at the earliest practicable date with a satisfactory explanation of the delay.

(c) The answer to each notice shall be complete in itself and shall not be abbreviated by reference to other communications or answers to other notices. In every instance the answer shall contain a statement of action taken to correct the condition or omission complained of and to preclude its recurrence. In addition:

(1) If the notice relates to violations that may be due to the physical or electrical characteristics of transmitting apparatus and any new apparatus is to be installed, the answer shall state the date such apparatus was ordered, the name of the manufacturer, and the promised date of delivery. If the installation of such apparatus requires a construction permit, the file number of the application shall be given, or if a file number has not been assigned by the Commission, such identification shall be given as will permit ready identification of the application.

(2) If the notice of violation relates to lack of attention to or improper operation of the transmitter, the name and license number of the operator in charge (where applicable) shall be given.

[48 FR 24890, June 3, 1983]

§ 1.91 - Revocation and/or cease and desist proceedings; hearings.

(a) If it appears that a station license or construction permit should be revoked and/or that a cease and desist order should be issued, the Commission will issue an order directing the person to show cause why an order of revocation and/or a cease and desist order, as the facts may warrant, should not be issued.

(b) An order to show cause why an order of revocation and/or a cease and desist order should not be issued will designate for hearing the matters with respect to which the Commission is inquiring and will call upon the person to whom it is directed (the respondent) to file with the Commission a written appearance stating that the respondent will present evidence upon the matters specified in the order to show cause and, if required, appear before a presiding officer at a time and place to be determined, but no earlier than thirty days after the receipt of such order. However, if safety of life or property is involved, the order to show cause may specify a deadline of less than thirty days from the receipt of such order.

(c) To avail themselves of such opportunity for a hearing, respondents, personally or by counsel, shall file with the Commission, within twenty days of the mailing of the order or such shorter period as may be specified therein, a written appearance stating that they will present evidence on the matters specified in the order and, if required, appear before the presiding officer at a time and place to be determined. The presiding officer in his or her discretion may accept a late-filed appearance. However, a written appearance tendered after the specified time has expired will not be accepted unless accompanied by a petition stating with particularity the facts and reasons relied on to justify such late filing. Such petition for acceptance of a late-filed appearance will be granted only if the presiding officer determines that the facts and reasons stated therein constitute good cause for failure to file on time.

(d) Hearing proceedings on the matters specified in such orders to show cause shall accord with the practice and procedure prescribed in this subpart and subpart B of this part, with the following exceptions:

(1) In all such revocation and/or cease and desist hearings, the burden of proceeding with the introduction of evidence and the burden of proof shall be upon the Commission; and

(2) The Commission may specify in a show cause order, when the circumstances of the proceeding require expedition, a time less than that prescribed in §§ 1.276 and 1.277 within which the initial decision in the proceeding shall become effective, exceptions to such initial decision must be filed, parties must file requests for oral argument, and parties must file notice of intention to participate in oral argument.

(e) Correction of or promise to correct the conditions or matters complained of in a show cause order shall not preclude the issuance of a cease and desist order. Corrections or promises to correct the conditions or matters complained of, and the past record of the licensee, may, however, be considered in determining whether a revocation and/or a cease and desist order should be issued.

(f) Any order of revocation and/or cease and desist order issued after hearing pursuant to this section shall include a statement of findings and the grounds therefor, shall specify the effective date of the order, and shall be served on the person to whom such order is directed.

(Sec. 312, 48 Stat. 1086, as amended; 47 U.S.C. 312) [28 FR 12415, Nov. 22, 1963, as amended at 85 FR 63172, Oct. 6, 2020]

§ 1.92 - Revocation and/or cease and desist proceedings; after waiver of hearing.

(a) After the issuance of an order to show cause, pursuant to § 1.91, designating a matter for hearing, the occurrence of any one of the following events or circumstances will constitute a waiver of such hearing and the proceeding thereafter will be conducted in accordance with the provisions of this section.

(1) The respondent fails to file a timely written appearance as prescribed in § 1.91(c) indicating that the respondent will present evidence on the matters specified in the order and, if required by the order, that the respondent will appear before the presiding officer.

(2) The respondent, having filed a timely written appearance as prescribed in § 1.91(c), fails in fact to present evidence on the matters specified in the order or appear before the presiding officer in person or by counsel at the time and place duly scheduled.

(3) The respondent files with the Commission, within the time specified for a written appearance in § 1.91(c), a written statement expressly waiving his or her rights to a hearing.

(b) When a hearing is waived under the provisions of paragraph (a) (1) or (3) of this section, a written statement signed by the respondent denying or seeking to mitigate or justify the circumstances or conduct complained of in the order to show cause may be submitted within the time specified in § 1.91(c). The Commission in its discretion may accept a late statement. However, a statement tendered after the specified time has expired will not be accepted unless accompanied by a petition stating with particularity the facts and reasons relied on to justify such late filing. Such petitions for acceptance of a late statement will be granted only if the Commission determines that the facts and reasons stated therein constitute good cause for failure to file on time.

(c) Whenever a hearing is waived by the occurrence of any of the events or circumstances listed in paragraph (a) of this section, the presiding officer shall, at the earliest practicable date, issue an order reciting the events or circumstances constituting a waiver of hearing and terminating the hearing proceeding. A presiding officer other than the Commission also shall certify the case to the Commission. Such order shall be served upon the respondent.

(d) After a hearing proceeding has been terminated pursuant to paragraph (c) of this section, the Commission will act upon the matters specified in the order to show cause in the regular course of business. The Commission will determine on the basis of all the information available to it from any source, including such further proceedings as may be warranted, if a revocation order and/or a cease and desist order should issue, and if so, will issue such order. Otherwise, the Commission will issue an order dismissing the proceeding. All orders specified in this paragraph will include a statement of the findings of the Commission and the grounds and reasons therefor, will specify the effective date thereof, and will be served upon the respondent.

(e) Corrections or promise to correct the conditions or matters complained of in a show cause order shall not preclude the issuance of a cease and desist order. Corrections or promises to correct the conditions or matters complained of, and the past record of the licensee, may, however, be considered in determining whether a revocation and/or a cease and desist order should be issued.

(Sec. 312, 48 Stat. 1086, as amended; 47 U.S.C. 312) [28 FR 12415, Nov. 22, 1963, as amended at 29 FR 6443, May 16, 1964; 37 FR 19372, Sept. 20, 1972; 85 FR 63173, Oct. 6, 2020]

§ 1.93 - Consent orders.

(a) As used in this subpart, a “consent order” is a formal decree accepting an agreement between a party to an adjudicatory hearing proceeding held to determine whether that party has violated statutes or Commission rules or policies and the appropriate operating Bureau, with regard to such party's future compliance with such statutes, rules or policies, and disposing of all issues on which the proceeding was designated for hearing. The order is issued by the officer designated to preside at the hearing proceeding.

(b) Where the interests of timely enforcement or compliance, the nature of the proceeding, and the public interest permit, the Commission, by its operating Bureaus, may negotiate a consent order with a party to secure future compliance with the law in exchange for prompt disposition of a matter subject to administrative adjudicative proceedings. Consent orders may not be negotiated with respect to matters which involve a party's basic statutory qualifications to hold a license (see 47 U.S.C. 308 and 309).

[41 FR 14871, Apr. 8, 1976, as amended at 85 FR 63173, Oct. 6, 2020]

§ 1.94 - Consent order procedures.

(a) Negotiations leading to a consent order may be initiated by the operating Bureau or by a party whose possible violations are issues in the proceeding. Negotiations may be initiated at any time after designation of a proceeding for hearing. If negotiations are initiated the presiding officer shall be notified. Parties shall be prepared at the initial prehearing conference to state whether they are at that time willing to enter negotiations. See § 1.248(c)(7). If either party is unwilling to enter negotiations, the hearing proceeding shall proceed. If the parties agree to enter negotiations, they will be afforded an appropriate opportunity to negotiate before the hearing is commenced.

(b) Other parties to the proceeding are entitled, but are not required, to participate in the negotiations, and may join in any agreement which is reached.

(c) Every agreement shall contain the following:

(1) An admission of all jurisdictional facts;

(2) A waiver of the usual procedures for preparation and review of an initial decision;

(3) A waiver of the right of judicial review or otherwise to challenge or contest the validity of the consent order;

(4) A statement that the designation order may be used in construing the consent order;

(5) A statement that the agreement shall become a part of the record of the proceeding only if the consent order is signed by the presiding officer and the time for review has passed without rejection of the order by the Commission;

(6) A statement that the agreement is for purposes of settlement only and that its signing does not constitute an admission by any party of any violation of law, rules or policy (see 18 U.S.C. 6002); and

(7) A draft order for signature of the presiding officer resolving by consent, and for the future, all issues specified in the designation order.

(d) If agreement is reached, it shall be submitted to the presiding officer, who shall either sign the order, reject the agreement, or suggest to the parties that negotiations continue on such portion of the agreement as the presiding officer considers unsatisfactory or on matters not reached in the agreement. If the presiding officer signs the consent order, the record shall be closed. If the presiding officer rejects the agreement, the hearing proceeding shall continue. If the presiding officer suggests further negotiations and the parties agree to resume negotiating, the presiding officer may, in his or her discretion, decide whether to hold the hearing proceeding in abeyance pending the negotiations.

(e) Any party to the proceeding who has not joined in any agreement which is reached may appeal the consent order under § 1.302, and the Commission may review the agreement on its own motion under the provisions of that section. If the Commission rejects the consent order, the proceeding will be remanded for further proceedings. If the Commission does not reject the consent order, it shall be entered in the record as a final order and is subject to judicial review on the initiative only of parties to the proceeding who did not join in the agreement. The Commission may revise the agreement and consent order. In that event, private parties to the agreement may either accept the revision or withdraw from the agreement. If the party whose possible violations are issues in the proceeding withdraws from the agreement, the consent order will not be issued or made a part of the record, and the proceeding will be remanded for further proceedings.

(f) The provisions of this section shall not alter any existing procedure for informal settlement of any matter prior to designation for hearing (see, e.g., 47 U.S.C. 208) or for summary decision after designation for hearing.

(g) Consent orders, pleadings relating thereto, and Commission orders with respect thereto shall be served on parties to the proceeding. Public notice will be given of orders issued by the Commission or by the presiding officer. Negotiating papers constitute work product, are available to parties participating in negotiations, but are not routinely available for public inspection.

[41 FR 14871, Apr. 8, 1976, as amended at 85 FR 63173, Oct. 6, 2020]

§ 1.95 - Violation of consent orders.

Violation of a consent order shall subject the consenting party to any and all sanctions which could have been imposed in the proceeding resulting in the consent order if all of the issues in that proceeding had been decided against the consenting party and to any further sanctions for violation noted as agreed upon in the consent order. The Commission shall have the burden of showing that the consent order has been violated in some (but not in every) respect. Violation of the consent order and the sanctions to be imposed shall be the only issues considered in a proceeding concerning such an alleged violation.

[41 FR 14871, Apr. 8, 1976]

Reconsideration and Review of Actions Taken by the Commission and Pursuant to Delegated Authority; Effective Dates and Finality Dates of Actions

§ 1.101 - General provisions.

Under section 5(c) of the Communications Act of 1934, as amended, the Commission is authorized, by rule or order, to delegate certain of its functions to a panel of commissioners, an individual commissioner, an employee board, or an individual employee. Section 0.201(a) of this chapter describes in general terms the basic categories of delegations which are made by the Commission. Subpart B of part 0 of this chapter sets forth all delegations which have been made by rule. Sections 1.102 through 1.117 set forth procedural rules governing reconsideration and review of actions taken pursuant to authority delegated under section 5(c) of the Communications Act, and reconsideration of actions taken by the Commission. As used in §§ 1.102 through 1.117, the term designated authority means any person, panel, or board which has been authorized by rule or order to exercise authority under section 5(c) of the Communications Act.

[76 FR 70908, Nov. 16, 2011]

§ 1.102 - Effective dates of actions taken pursuant to delegated authority.

(a) Final actions following review of an initial decision. (1) Final decisions of a commissioner, or panel of commissioners following review of an initial decision shall be effective 40 days after public release of the full text of such final decision.

(2) If a petition for reconsideration of such final decision is filed, the effect of the decision is stayed until 40 days after release of the final order disposing of the petition.

(3) If an application for review of such final decision is filed, or if the Commission on its own motion orders the record of the proceeding before it for review, the effect of the decision is stayed until the Commission's review of the proceeding has been completed.

(b) Non-hearing and interlocutory actions. (1) Non-hearing or interlocutory actions taken pursuant to delegated authority shall, unless otherwise ordered by the designated authority, be effective upon release of the document containing the full text of such action, or in the event such a document is not released, upon release of a public notice announcing the action in question.

(2) If a petition for reconsideration of a non-hearing action is filed, the designated authority may in its discretion stay the effect of its action pending disposition of the petition for reconsideration. Petitions for reconsideration of interlocutory actions will not be entertained.

(3) If an application for review of a non-hearing or interlocutory action is filed, or if the Commission reviews the action on its own motion, the Commission may in its discretion stay the effect of any such action until its review of the matters at issue has been completed.

[28 FR 12415, Nov. 22, 1963, as amended at 62 FR 4170, Jan. 29, 1997]

§ 1.103 - Effective dates of Commission actions; finality of Commission actions.

(a) Unless otherwise specified by law or Commission rule (e.g. §§ 1.102 and 1.427), the effective date of any Commission action shall be the date of public notice of such action as that latter date is defined in § 1.4(b) of these rules: Provided, That the Commission may, on its own motion or on motion by any party, designate an effective date that is either earlier or later in time than the date of public notice of such action. The designation of an earlier or later effective date shall have no effect on any pleading periods.

(b) Notwithstanding any determinations made under paragraph (a) of this section, Commission action shall be deemed final, for purposes of seeking reconsideration at the Commission or judicial review, on the date of public notice as defined in § 1.4(b) of these rules.

(Secs. 4, 303, 307, 48 Stat., as amended, 1066, 1082, 1083; 47 U.S.C. 154, 303, 307) [46 FR 18556, Mar. 25, 1981]

§ 1.104 - Preserving the right of review; deferred consideration of application for review.

(a) The provisions of this section apply to all final actions taken pursuant to delegated authority, including final actions taken by members of the Commission's staff on nonhearing matters. They do not apply to interlocutory actions of a presiding officer in hearing proceedings, or to orders designating a matter for hearing issued under delegated authority. See §§ 1.106(a) and 1.115(e).

(b) Any person desiring Commission consideration of a final action taken pursuant to delegated authority shall file either a petition for reconsideration or an application for review (but not both) within 30 days from the date of public notice of such action, as that date is defined in § 1.4(b). The petition for reconsideration will be acted on by the designated authority or referred by such authority to the Commission: Provided that a petition for reconsideration of an order designating a matter for hearing will in all cases be referred to the Commission. The application for review will be acted upon by the Commission, except in those cases where a Bureau or Office has been delegated authority to dismiss an application for review.

Note:

In those cases where the Commission does not intend to release a document containing the full text of its action, it will state that fact in the public notice announcing its action.

(c) If in any matter one party files a petition for reconsideration and a second party files an application for review, the Commission will withhold action on the application for review until final action has been taken on the petition for reconsideration.

(d) Any person who has filed a petition for reconsideration may file an application for review within 30 days from the date of public notice of such action, as that date is defined in § 1.4(b) of these rules. If a petition for reconsideration has been filed, any person who has filed an application for review may: (1) Withdraw his application for review, or (2) substitute an amended application therefor.

[28 FR 12415, Nov. 22, 1963, as amended at 41 FR 14871, Apr. 8, 1976; 44 FR 60294, Oct. 19, 1979; 46 FR 18556, Mar. 25, 1981; 62 FR 4170, Jan. 29, 1997; 85 FR 63173, Oct. 6, 2020; 86 FR 12547, Mar. 4, 2021]

§ 1.106 - Petitions for reconsideration in non-rulemaking proceedings.

(a)(1) Except as provided in paragraphs (b)(3) and (p) of this section, petitions requesting reconsideration of a final Commission action in non-rulemaking proceedings will be acted on by the Commission. Petitions requesting reconsideration of other final actions taken pursuant to delegated authority will be acted on by the designated authority or referred by such authority to the Commission. A petition for reconsideration of an order designating a case for hearing will be entertained if, and insofar as, the petition relates to an adverse ruling with respect to petitioner's participation in the proceeding. Petitions for reconsideration of other interlocutory actions will not be entertained. (For provisions governing reconsideration of Commission action in notice and comment rulemaking proceedings, see § 1.429. This § 1.106 does not govern reconsideration of such actions.)

(2) Within the period allowed for filing a petition for reconsideration, any party to the proceeding may request the presiding officer to certify to the Commission the question as to whether, on policy in effect at the time of designation or adopted since designation, and undisputed facts, a hearing should be held. If the presiding officer finds that there is substantial doubt, on established policy and undisputed facts, that a hearing should be held, he will certify the policy question to the Commission with a statement to that effect. No appeal may be filed from an order denying such a request. See also, §§ 1.229 and 1.251.

(b)(1) Subject to the limitations set forth in paragraph (b)(2) of this section, any party to the proceeding, or any other person whose interests are adversely affected by any action taken by the Commission or by the designated authority, may file a petition requesting reconsideration of the action taken. If the petition is filed by a person who is not a party to the proceeding, it shall state with particularity the manner in which the person's interests are adversely affected by the action taken, and shall show good reason why it was not possible for him to participate in the earlier stages of the proceeding.

(2) Where the Commission has denied an application for review, a petition for reconsideration will be entertained only if one or more of the following circumstances are present:

(i) The petition relies on facts or arguments which relate to events which have occurred or circumstances which have changed since the last opportunity to present such matters to the Commission; or

(ii) The petition relies on facts or arguments unknown to petitioner until after his last opportunity to present them to the Commission, and he could not through the exercise of ordinary diligence have learned of the facts or arguments in question prior to such opportunity.

(3) A petition for reconsideration of an order denying an application for review which fails to rely on new facts or changed circumstances may be dismissed by the staff as repetitious.

(c) In the case of any order other than an order denying an application for review, a petition for reconsideration which relies on facts or arguments not previously presented to the Commission or to the designated authority may be granted only under the following circumstances:

(1) The facts or arguments fall within one or more of the categories set forth in § 1.106(b)(2); or

(2) The Commission or the designated authority determines that consideration of the facts or arguments relied on is required in the public interest.

(d)(1) A petition for reconsideration shall state with particularity the respects in which petitioner believes the action taken by the Commission or the designated authority should be changed. The petition shall state specifically the form of relief sought and, subject to this requirement, may contain alternative requests.

(2) A petition for reconsideration of a decision that sets forth formal findings of fact and conclusions of law shall also cite the findings and/or conclusions which petitioner believes to be erroneous, and shall state with particularity the respects in which he believes such findings and/or conclusions should be changed. The petition may request that additional findings of fact and/or conclusions of law be made.

(e) Where a petition for reconsideration is based upon a claim of electrical interference, under appropriate rules in this chapter, to an existing station or a station for which a construction permit is outstanding, such petition, in addition to meeting the other requirements of this section, must be accompanied by an affidavit of a qualified radio engineer. Such affidavit shall show, either by following the procedures set forth in this chapter for determining interference in the absence of measurements, or by actual measurements made in accordance with the methods prescribed in this chapter, that electrical interference will be caused to the station within its normally protected contour.

(f) The petition for reconsideration and any supplement thereto shall be filed within 30 days from the date of public notice of the final Commission action, as that date is defined in § 1.4(b) of these rules, and shall be served upon parties to the proceeding. The petition for reconsideration shall not exceed 25 double spaced typewritten pages. No supplement or addition to a petition for reconsideration which has not been acted upon by the Commission or by the designated authority, filed after expiration of the 30 day period, will be considered except upon leave granted upon a separate pleading for leave to file, which shall state the grounds therefor.

(g) Oppositions to a petition for reconsideration shall be filed within 10 days after the petition is filed, and shall be served upon petitioner and parties to the proceeding. Oppositions shall not exceed 25 double spaced typewritten pages.

(h) Petitioner may reply to oppositions within seven days after the last day for filing oppositions, and any such reply shall be served upon parties to the proceeding. Replies shall not exceed 10 double spaced typewritten pages, and shall be limited to matters raised in the opposition.

(i) Petitions for reconsideration, oppositions, and replies shall conform to the requirements of §§ 1.49, 1.51, and 1.52 and, except for those related to licensing matters in the Wireless Radio Service and addressed in paragraph (o) of this section, shall be submitted to the Secretary, Federal Communications Commission, Washington, DC 20554, by mail, by commercial courier, by hand, or by electronic submission through the Commission's Electronic Comment Filing System or other electronic filing system (such as ULS). Petitions submitted only by electronic mail and petitions submitted directly to staff without submission to the Secretary shall not be considered to have been properly filed. Parties filing in electronic form need only submit one copy.

(j) The Commission or designated authority may grant the petition for reconsideration in whole or in part or may deny or dismiss the petition. Its order will contain a concise statement of the reasons for the action taken. Where the petition for reconsideration relates to an instrument of authorization granted without hearing, the Commission or designated authority will take such action within 90 days after the petition is filed.

(k)(1) If the Commission or the designated authority grants the petition for reconsideration in whole or in part, it may, in its decision:

(i) Simultaneously reverse or modify the order from which reconsideration is sought;

(ii) Remand the matter to a bureau or other Commission personnel for such further proceedings, including rehearing, as may be appropriate; or

(iii) Order such other proceedings as may be necessary or appropriate.

(2) If the Commission or designated authority initiates further proceedings, a ruling on the merits of the matter will be deferred pending completion of such proceedings. Following completion of such further proceedings, the Commission or designated authority may affirm, reverse, or modify its original order, or it may set aside the order and remand the matter for such further proceedings, including rehearing, as may be appropriate.

(3) Any order disposing of a petition for reconsideration which reverses or modifies the original order is subject to the same provisions with respect to reconsideration as the original order. In no event, however, shall a ruling which denies a petition for reconsideration be considered a modification of the original order. A petition for reconsideration of an order which has been previously denied on reconsideration may be dismissed by the staff as repetitious.

Note:

For purposes of this section, the word “order” refers to that portion of its action wherein the Commission announces its judgment. This should be distinguished from the “memorandum opinion” or other material which often accompany and explain the order.

(l) No evidence other than newly discovered evidence, evidence which has become available only since the original taking of evidence, or evidence which the Commission or the designated authority believes should have been taken in the original proceeding shall be taken on any rehearing ordered pursuant to the provisions of this section.

(m) The filing of a petition for reconsideration is not a condition precedent to judicial review of any action taken by the Commission or by the designated authority, except where the person seeking such review was not a party to the proceeding resulting in the action, or relies on questions of fact or law upon which the Commission or designated authority has been afforded no opportunity to pass. (See § 1.115(c).) Persons in those categories who meet the requirements of this section may qualify to seek judicial review by filing a petition for reconsideration.

(n) Without special order of the Commission, the filing of a petition for reconsideration shall not excuse any person from complying with or obeying any decision, order, or requirement of the Commission, or operate in any manner to stay or postpone the enforcement thereof. However, upon good cause shown, the Commission will stay the effectiveness of its order or requirement pending a decision on the petition for reconsideration. (This paragraph applies only to actions of the Commission en banc. For provisions applicable to actions under delegated authority, see § 1.102.)

(o) Petitions for reconsideration of licensing actions, as well as oppositions and replies thereto, that are filed with respect to the Wireless Radio Services, must be filed electronically via ULS.

(p) Petitions for reconsideration of a Commission action that plainly do not warrant consideration by the Commission may be dismissed or denied by the relevant bureau(s) or office(s). Examples include, but are not limited to, petitions that:

(1) Fail to identify any material error, omission, or reason warranting reconsideration;

(2) Rely on facts or arguments which have not previously been presented to the Commission and which do not meet the requirements of paragraphs (b)(2), (b)(3), or (c) of this section;

(3) Rely on arguments that have been fully considered and rejected by the Commission within the same proceeding;

(4) Fail to state with particularity the respects in which petitioner believes the action taken should be changed as required by paragraph (d) of this section;

(5) Relate to matters outside the scope of the order for which reconsideration is sought;

(6) Omit information required by these rules to be included with a petition for reconsideration, such as the affidavit required by paragraph (e) of this section (relating to electrical interference);

(7) Fail to comply with the procedural requirements set forth in paragraphs (f) and (i) of this section;

(8) relate to an order for which reconsideration has been previously denied on similar grounds, except for petitions which could be granted under paragraph (c) of this section; or

(9) Are untimely.

(Secs. 4, 303, 307, 405, 48 Stat., as amended, 1066, 1082, 1083, 1095; 47 U.S.C. 154, 303, 307, 405) [28 FR 12415, Nov. 22, 1963, as amended at 37 FR 7507, Apr. 15, 1972; 41 FR 1287, Jan. 7, 1976; 44 FR 60294, Oct. 19, 1979; 46 FR 18556, Mar. 25, 1981; 62 FR 4170, Jan. 29, 1997; 63 FR 68920, Dec. 14, 1998; 76 FR 24391, May 2, 2011; 85 FR 85529, Dec. 29, 2020]

§ 1.108 - Reconsideration on Commission's own motion.

The Commission may, on its own motion, reconsider any action made or taken by it within 30 days from the date of public notice of such action, as that date is defined in § 1.4(b). When acting on its own motion under this section, the Commission may take any action it could take in acting on a petition for reconsideration, as set forth in § 1.106(k).

[76 FR 24392, May 2, 2011]

§ 1.110 - Partial grants; rejection and designation for hearing.

Where the Commission without a hearing grants any application in part, or with any privileges, terms, or conditions other than those requested, or subject to any interference that may result to a station if designated application or applications are subsequently granted, the action of the Commission shall be considered as a grant of such application unless the applicant shall, within 30 days from the date on which such grant is made or from its effective date if a later date is specified, file with the Commission a written request rejecting the grant as made. Upon receipt of such request, the Commission will vacate its original action upon the application and set the application for hearing in the same manner as other applications are set for hearing.

§ 1.113 - Action modified or set aside by person, panel, or board.

(a) Within 30 days after public notice has been given of any action taken pursuant to delegated authority, the person, panel, or board taking the action may modify or set it aside on its own motion.

(b) Within 60 days after notice of any sanction imposed under delegated authority has been served on the person affected, the person, panel, or board which imposed the sanction may modify or set it aside on its own motion.

(c) Petitions for reconsideration and applications for review shall be directed to the actions as thus modified, and the time for filing such pleadings shall be computed from the date upon which public notice of the modified action is given or notice of the modified sanction is served on the person affected.

§ 1.115 - Application for review of action taken pursuant to delegated authority.

(a) Any person aggrieved by any action taken pursuant to delegated authority may file an application requesting review of that action by the Commission. Any person filing an application for review who has not previously participated in the proceeding shall include with his application a statement describing with particularity the manner in which he is aggrieved by the action taken and showing good reason why it was not possible for him to participate in the earlier stages of the proceeding. Any application for review which fails to make an adequate showing in this respect will be dismissed.

(b)(1) The application for review shall concisely and plainly state the questions presented for review with reference, where appropriate, to the findings of fact or conclusions of law.

(2) The application for review shall specify with particularity, from among the following, the factor(s) which warrant Commission consideration of the questions presented:

(i) The action taken pursuant to delegated authority is in conflict with statute, regulation, case precedent, or established Commission policy.

(ii) The action involves a question of law or policy which has not previously been resolved by the Commission.

(iii) The action involves application of a precedent or policy which should be overturned or revised.

(iv) An erroneous finding as to an important or material question of fact.

(v) Prejudicial procedural error.

(3) The application for review shall state with particularity the respects in which the action taken by the designated authority should be changed.

(4) The application for review shall state the form of relief sought and, subject to this requirement, may contain alternative requests.

(c) No application for review will be granted if it relies on questions of fact or law upon which the designated authority has been afforded no opportunity to pass.

Note:

Subject to the requirements of § 1.106, new questions of fact or law may be presented to the designated authority in a petition for reconsideration.

(d) Except as provided in paragraph (e) of this section and in § 0.461(j) of this chapter, the application for review and any supplemental thereto shall be filed within 30 days of public notice of such action, as that date is defined in § 1.4(b). Opposition to the application shall be filed within 15 days after the application for review is filed. Except as provided in paragraph (e)(1) of this section, replies to oppositions shall be filed within 10 days after the opposition is filed and shall be limited to matters raised in the opposition.

(e)(1) Applications for review of an order designating a matter for hearing that was issued under delegated authority shall be deferred until exceptions to the initial decision in the case are filed, unless the presiding officer certifies such an application for review to the Commission. A matter shall be certified to the Commission if the presiding officer determines that the matter involves a controlling question of law as to which there is substantial ground for difference of opinion and that immediate consideration of the question would materially expedite the ultimate resolution of the litigation. A request to certify a matter to the Commission shall be filed with the presiding officer within 5 days after the designation order is released. A ruling refusing to certify a matter to the Commission is not appealable. Any application for review authorized by the presiding officer shall be filed within 5 days after the order certifying the matter to the Commission is released or such a ruling is made. Oppositions shall be filed within 5 days after the application for review is filed. Replies to oppositions shall be filed only if they are requested by the Commission. Replies (if allowed) shall be filed within 5 days after they are requested. The Commission may dismiss, without stating reasons, an application for review that has been certified, and direct that the objections to the order designating the matter for hearing be deferred and raised when exceptions in the initial decision in the case are filed.

(2) Applications for review of final staff decisions issued on delegated authority in formal complaint proceedings on the Enforcement Bureau's Accelerated Docket (see, e.g., § 1.730) shall be filed within 15 days of public notice of the decision, as that date is defined in § 1.4(b). These applications for review oppositions and replies in Accelerated Docket proceedings shall be served on parties to the proceeding by hand or facsimile transmission.

(f) Applications for review, oppositions, and replies shall conform to the requirements of §§ 1.49, 1.51, and 1.52, and shall be submitted to the Secretary, Federal Communications Commission, Washington, DC 20554. Except as provided below, applications for review and oppositions thereto shall not exceed 25 double-space typewritten pages. Applications for review of interlocutory actions in hearing proceedings (including designation orders) and oppositions thereto shall not exceed 5 double-spaced typewritten pages. When permitted (see paragraph (e)(1) of this section), reply pleadings shall not exceed 5 double-spaced typewritten pages. The application for review shall be served upon the parties to the proceeding. Oppositions to the application for review shall be served on the person seeking review and on parties to the proceeding. When permitted (see paragraph (e)(1) of this section), replies to the opposition(s) to the application for review shall be served on the person(s) opposing the application for review and on parties to the proceeding.

(g) The Commission may grant the application for review in whole or in part, or it may deny the application with or without specifying reasons therefor. A petition requesting reconsideration of a ruling which denies an application for review will be entertained only if one or more of the following circumstances is present:

(1) The petition relies on facts which related to events which have occurred or circumstances which have changed since the last opportunity to present such matters; or

(2) The petition relies on facts unknown to petitioner until after his last opportunity to present such matters which could not, through the exercise of ordinary diligence, have been learned prior to such opportunity.

(h)(1) If the Commission grants the application for review in whole or in part, it may, in its decision:

(i) Simultaneously reverse or modify the order from which review is sought;

(ii) Remand the matter to the designated authority for reconsideration in accordance with its instructions, and, if an evidentiary hearing has been held, the remand may be to the person(s) who conducted the hearing; or

(iii) Order such other proceedings, including briefs and oral argument, as may be necessary or appropriate.

(2) In the event the Commission orders further proceedings, it may stay the effect of the order from which review is sought. (See § 1.102.) Following the completion of such further proceedings the Commission may affirm, reverse or modify the order from which review is sought, or it may set aside the order and remand the matter to the designated authority for reconsideration in accordance with its instructions. If an evidentiary hearing has been held, the Commission may remand the matter to the person(s) who conducted the hearing for rehearing on such issues and in accordance with such instructions as may be appropriate.

Note:

For purposes of this section, the word “order” refers to that portion of its action wherein the Commission announces its judgment. This should be distinguished from the “memorandum opinion” or other material which often accompany and explain the order.

(i) An order of the Commission which reverses or modifies the action taken pursuant to delegated authority is subject to the same provisions with respect to reconsideration as an original order of the Commission. In no event, however, shall a ruling which denies an application for review be considered a modification of the action taken pursuant to delegated authority.

(j) No evidence other than newly discovered evidence, evidence which has become available only since the original taking of evidence, or evidence which the Commission believes should have been taken in the original proceeding shall be taken on any rehearing ordered pursuant to the provisions of this section.

(k) The filing of an application for review shall be a condition precedent to judicial review of any action taken pursuant to delegated authority.

(Secs. 4, 303, 307, 48 Stat., as amended, 1066, 1082, 1083; 47 U.S.C. 154, 303, 307) [28 FR 12415, Nov. 22, 1963, as amended at 41 FR 14871, Apr. 8, 1976; 44 FR 60295, Oct. 19, 1979; 46 FR 18556, Mar. 25, 1981; 48 FR 12719, Mar. 28, 1983; 50 FR 39000, Sept. 26, 1985; 54 FR 40392, Oct. 2, 1989; 55 FR 36641, Sept. 6, 1990; 57 FR 19387, May 6, 1992; 62 FR 4170, Jan. 29, 1997; 63 FR 41446, Aug. 4, 1998; 67 FR 13223, Mar. 21, 2002; 76 FR 70908, Nov. 16, 2011; 82 FR 4197, Jan. 13, 2017; 85 FR 63173, Oct. 6, 2020]

§ 1.117 - Review on motion of the Commission.

(a) Within 40 days after public notice is given of any action taken pursuant to delegated authority, the Commission may on its own motion order the record of the proceeding before it for review.

(b) If the Commission reviews the proceeding on its own motion, it may order such further procedure as may be useful to it in its review of the action taken pursuant to delegated authority.

(c) With or without such further procedure, the Commission may either affirm, reverse, modify, or set aside the action taken, or remand the proceeding to the designated authority for reconsideration in accordance with its instructions. If an evidentiary hearing has been held, the Commission may remand the proceeding to the person(s) who conducted the hearing for rehearing on such issues and in accordance with such instructions as may be appropriate. An order of the Commission which reverses or modifies the action taken pursuant to delegated authority, or remands the matter for further proceedings, is subject to the same provisions with respect to reconsideration as an original action of the Commission.