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FCC HANDBOOK Table Of Contents
Glossary of Telecommunications Terms
THE FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION
We’re about communications! Whether you are listening to the radio, watching TV, talking on the phone, using your pager –– you’re involved in communications. We, at the Federal Communications Commission, are working to make sure that the nation’s communications systems are operating in your best interest. ********************************************* The FCC was established by the Communications Act of 1934 as an independent United States government agency directly responsible to Congress. The Act, which has been amended over the years, charges the Commission with establishing policies to govern interstate and international communications by television, radio, wire, satellite and cable. In February 1996, the Telecommunications Act of 1996 was signed into law, representing the first major overhaul of our nation’s telecommunications policies in over 60 years. The law requires that our Commission be headed by five Commissioners, each appointed by the President and confirmed by the Senate, with one designated as the Chairman. Only three Commissioners may be members of the same political party at any given time. HOW WE’RE ORGANIZED The FCC is organized by function. We have seven operating Bureaus and ten Offices. The Bureaus’ responsibilities include: processing applications for licenses and other filings; analyzing complaints; conducting investigations; developing and implementing regulatory programs; and taking part in hearings. Our Offices provide support services. Even though the Bureaus and Offices have their individual functions, they regularly join forces and share expertise in addressing Commission issues. The Bureaus CABLE SERVICES BUREAU - serves as the single point-of-contact for consumers, community officials and the industry for cable–related issues. COMMON CARRIER BUREAU - responsible for rules and policies concerning telephone companies that provide interstate, and under certain circumstances intrastate, telecommunications services to the public through the use of wire-based transmission facilities (i.e., corded/cordless telephones). CONSUMER INFORMATION BUREAU - communicates information to the public regarding Commission policies, programs and activities. This Bureau is also charged with overseeing disability mandates. ENFORCEMENT BUREAU - enforces the Communications Act, as well as the Commission’s rules, orders and authorizations. INTERNATIONAL BUREAU - represents the Commission in satellite and international matters. MASS MEDIA BUREAU - regulates AM, FM radio and television broadcast stations, as well as Multipoint Distribution (i.e., cable and satellite) and Instructional Television Fixed Services. WIRELESS TELECOMMUNICATIONS BUREAU - oversees cellular and PCS phones, pagers and two-way radios. This Bureau also regulates the use of radio spectrum to fulfill the communications needs of businesses, local and state governments, public safety service providers, aircraft and ship operators, and individuals. The Staff Offices OFFICE OF ADMINISTRATIVE LAW JUDGES - presides over hearings, and issues Initial Decisions. OFFICE OF COMMUNICATIONS BUSINESS OPPORTUNITIES - provides advice to the Commission on issues and policies concerning opportunities for ownership and contracting by small, minority and women-owned communications businesses. OFFICE OF ENGINEERING AND TECHNOLOGY - allocates spectrum for non-Government use and provides expert advice on technical issues before the Commission. OFFICE OF THE GENERAL COUNSEL - serves as chief legal advisor to the Commission's various Bureaus and Offices. OFFICE OF INSPECTOR GENERAL - conducts and supervises audits and investigations relating to the operations of the Commission. OFFICE OF LEGISLATIVE AND INTERGOVERNMENTAL AFFAIRS - is the Commission’s main point of contact with Congress and other governmental entities. OFFICE OF THE MANAGING DIRECTOR - functions as a chief operating official, serving under the direction and supervision of the Chairman. OFFICE OF MEDIA RELATIONS - informs the news media of FCC decisions and serves as the Commission‘s main point of contact with the media. OFFICE OF PLANS AND POLICY - serves as the Commission’s chief economic policy advisor. OFFICE OF WORK PLACE DIVERSITY - advises the Commission on all issues related to workforce diversity, affirmative recruitment and equal employment opportunity. ********************************************* For additional information on any of the FCC’s Bureaus and Offices, issues or rulings, visit our web site at www.fcc.gov or call our toll free number, 1-888-CALL-FCC (voice) or 1-888-TELL-FCC (TTY).
CABLE SERVICES BUREAU The Cable Services Bureau (CSB) enforces regulations that were designed to ensure competition among cable companies, satellite companies and other entities that offer video programming services to the general public. The Bureau is responsible for several areas, including: CSB also resolves appeals of local rate orders issued by franchising authorities and addresses issues concerning the computation of the franchise fee. It issues annual reports that analyze trends and developments in the multichannel video programming industry, including pricing and the state of competition. The Bureau’s web page, www.fcc.gov/csb, provides the names and telephone numbers of Bureau personnel, listed according to the staff member’s area of expertise. The site also contains several fact sheets on topics that are of interest to consumers, including: the receipt of local and distant broadcast television signals on a satellite dish; the installation of video antennas; and programming content issues. Finally, CSB’s web page has a list of pending and recently resolved issues of interest to consumers. The Bureau welcomes the opportunity to respond to inquiries and comments sent to its web site or by postal mail.
COMMON CARRIER BUREAU
The Common Carrier Bureau (CCB) is responsible for the FCC's policies and rules concerning long distance and local wireline telephone service to consumers. Telephone companies (referred to as "common carriers") generally provide consumers with voice, data and other telecommunication transmission services. The CCB ensures that everyone has rapid, efficient, nationwide and worldwide access to these services at reasonable rates. The Bureau oversees programs that ensure all Americans have universal access to telephone service. Among these programs are: 202-857-3800 (voice) • 202-484-8831 (TTY) • 202-857-3805 (fax) You can obtain most of the documents released by the Commission and listed in the Daily Digest by accessing our web site, www.fcc.gov. Complete texts of the FCC’s decisions are available from ITS, and you can find summaries of FCC rulemaking actions in the Federal Register. All FCC documents are available in alternative formats for persons with disabilities. These formats include documents in large print, Braille and audiotapes. For more information about alternative formats, please contact the FCC’s Consumer Information Bureau, Disabilities Rights Office at 202-418-2517 (voice), 202-418-1169 (TTY), or write us at 445 12th Street, SW, Washington, D.C. 20554. You can also reach us by going to fccinfo@fcc.gov or by calling 1-888-CALL-FCC (voice) or 1-888-TELL-FCC (TTY). Open Meetings A third way to stay informed of the FCC’s activities is by attending its open meetings. At these meetings, FCC Commissioners discuss and vote upon various Commission matters. The FCC announces open meetings seven days in advance in both the Federal Register and under the heading "Sunshine Notice" in the Daily Digest. Each Sunshine Notice contains an agenda of the topics to be discussed at the upcoming meeting. Open meetings are held once a month at the Commission’s headquarters at 445 12th Street, SW, in Washington, D.C. A yearly schedule of open meetings can be found on the FCC’s web site, www.fcc.gov, under "Agenda/Audio." You don’t have to be present to be part of an open meeting. LIVE TV COVERAGE: The Capitol Connection provides live television coverage of the FCC’s open meetings. Its annual program fee entitles you to an unlimited number of TV outlets. The cost of installation is based on time and materials and free site surveys are provided. For further information contact: The Capitol Connection : There are two ways you can access FCC proceedings and events via the telephone.
If you have any additional questions, call the FCC’s television staff at 202-418-0460. For questions concerning our audio web site link, call 202-418-0507. What Other FCC Resources are Available to the Public? The FCC Library The FCC Library contains a wide variety of legal and technical information on telecommunications and related subjects. The legal collection includes: federal and statutory histories; reference works; treatises; loose-leaf services; and a collection of cross-indexed legislative histories dating back to the beginning of communications law. Documents contained in the Library include: Code of Federal Regulations, Title 47 (containing all FCC rules); FCC Annual Reports; FCC Federal Court Briefs (selected); the FCC Record; FCC Reports, First and Second Series; Federal Radio Commission Annual Reports; Federal Registers,1934 to present (containing the full text of FCC Report and Orders); Pike and Fisher Radio Regulations, First and Second Series; Radio Act of 1927; Communications Act of 1934, as amended; the Telecommunications Act of 1996; as well as other proposed and/or enacted legislation pertaining to communications, telecommunications, broadcasting, administrative procedures, and independent agency regulations. The Library is located in Room TW-B505 at the Commission’s Headquarters, 445 12th Street, SW in Washington, D.C. It is open to the public, Monday through Friday, from 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM. If you have any questions, please contact one of our librarians at 202-418-0450 (voice), 202-418-2805 (fax), or call our toll free TTY at 202-TELL-FCC. OTHER IMPORTANT INFORMATION-GATHERING PROCEDURES Ex Parte There are ex parte rules that govern the manner in which you may communicate with the Commission concerning the issues in its proceedings. An ex parte presentation is any presentation (e.g., in person, by phone, fax, letter or e-mail) made to decision-making personnel by one party to a proceeding when other parties to that proceeding are not present or have not yet been served. The ex parte rules apply to anyone who seeks to influence the outcome of a particular proceeding, whether or not that person is a party to the proceeding. There are two types of proceedings: permit-but-disclose and restricted. Permit-But-Disclose: In permit-but-disclose proceedings –– such as most rulemakings –– ex parte presentations are generally permissible, but subject to disclosure. A person who makes a written ex parte presentation must, by the end of the day following the ex parte presentation, provide two copies of the presentation to the Commission for inclusion in the record of the proceeding. A person who makes an oral presentation must submit an original and one copy of a summary of any new data or argument presented. All ex parte presentations must be clearly marked "ex parte." Restricted: All proceedings, not specifically listed as "exempt proceedings" or "permit-but-disclose proceedings" –– such as proceedings designated for hearing –– are considered "restricted." Ex parte presentations to or by decision makers are prohibited in these proceedings. Any written presentation to FCC decision-making personnel must be served on all parties to the proceeding. Oral presentations may not be made unless all parties are given notice and an opportunity to be present. The prohibition stays in effect until the proceeding has been decided or a settlement has been approved by the FCC and the matter is no longer subject to reconsideration by the Commission or review by any court. Freedom of Information (FOIA) Congress enacted the Freedom of Information Act (F0IA) to give the American public greater access to the federal government’s records. Since then, Congress amended the FOIA statute several times. Most recently, the Electronic Freedom of Information Act Amendments of 1996 (E-FOIA) expanded the scope of the FOIA to include electronic records and to require the creation of "electronic reading rooms" to make records more easily and widely available to the public. You do not have to file a FOIA request to obtain information which is routinely available for public inspection, including records from: docketed cases; broadcast applications and related files; petitions for rulemakings; various legal and technical publications; and legislative history compilations. To make a FOIA request, fill out the E-FOIA request form and submit it to us or write the FCC and include the following in your correspondence: "Freedom of Information Act Request" on both the outside envelope and letter; the date; your telephone number and mailing address (in case we need to contact you); and as much information as possible to assist us in identifying and locating the documents you are seeking. Also, please specify the maximum search fee that you are prepared to pay for this request. Lastly, mail the original and two copies of your form to: Managing Director or send it by e-mail to: foia@fcc.gov or fax the request to 202-418-2826. If you have questions about how to file your FOIA request or to obtain an E-FOIA request form, call us at 202-418-0440. For more information about FOIA, visit our web site at www.fcc.gov. GLOSSARY OF TELECOMMUNICATIONS TERMS ACCESS CHARGE - A fee charged subscribers or other telephone companies by a local exchange carrier for the use of its local exchange networks. ANALOG SIGNAL - A signaling method that uses continuous changes in the amplitude or frequency of a radio transmission to convey information. BANDWIDTH - The capacity of a telecom line to carry signals. The necessary bandwidth is the amount of spectrum required to transmit the signal without distortion or loss of information. FCC rules require suppression of the signal outside the band to prevent interference. BROADBAND - Broadband is a descriptive term for evolving digital technologies that provide consumers a signal switched facility offering integrated access to voice, high-speed data service, video-demand services, and interactive delivery services. CALLING PARTY PAYS - A billing method in which a wireless phone caller pays only for making calls and not for receiving them. The standard American billing system requires wireless phone customers to pay for all calls made and received on a wireless phone. CELLULAR TECHNOLOGY - This term, often used for all wireless phones regardless of the technology they use, derives from cellular base stations that receive and transmit calls. Both cellular and PCS phones use cellular technology. CLOSED CAPTIONING - A service for persons with hearing disabilities that translates television program dialog into written words on the television screen. COMMERCIAL LEASED ACCESS - Manner through which independent video producers can access cable capacity for a fee. COMMON CARRIER - In the telecommunications arena, the term used to describe a telephone company. COMMUNICATIONS ASSISTANT - A person who facilitates telephone conversation between text telephone users, users of sign language or individuals with speech disabilities through a Telecommunications Relay Service (TRS). This service allows a person with hearing or speech disabilities to communicate with anyone else via telephone at no additional cost. COMMUNITY ANTENNA TELEVISION (CATV) - A service through which subscribers pay to have local television stations and additional programs brought into their homes from an antenna via a coaxial cable. CRAMMING - A practice in which customers are billed for enhanced features such as voice mail, caller-ID and call-waiting that they have not ordered. DIAL AROUND - Long distance services that require consumers to dial a long-distance provider’s access code (or "10-10" number) before dialing a long-distance number to bypass or "dial around" the consumer’s chosen long-distance carrier in order to get a better rate. DIGITAL TELEVISION (DTV) - A new technology for transmitting and receiving broadcast television signals. DTV provides clearer resolution and improved sound quality. DIRECT BROADCAST SATELLITE (DBS/DISH) - A high-powered satellite that transmits or retransmits signals which are intended for direct reception by the public. The signal is transmitted to a small earth station or dish (usually the size of an 18-inch pizza pan) mounted on homes or other buildings. E-MAIL - Also called electronic mail, refers to messages sent over the Internet. E-mail can be sent and received via newer types of wireless phones, but you generally need to have a specific e-mail account. ENHANCED SERVICE PROVIDERS - A for-profit business that offers to transmit voice and data messages and simultaneously adds value to the messages it transmits. Examples include telephone answering services, alarm/security companies and transaction processing companies. EN BANC - An informal meeting held by the Commission to hear presentations on specific topics by diverse parties. The Commissioners, or other officials, question presenters and use their comments in considering FCC rules and policies on the subject matter under consideration. FREQUENCY MODULATION (FM) - A signaling method that varies the carrier frequency in proportion to the amplitude of the modulating signal. GLOBAL POSITIONING SYSTEM (GPS) - A US satellite system that lets those on the ground, on the water or in the air determine their position with extreme accuracy using GPS receivers. HIGH DEFINITION TELEVISION (HDTV) - An improved television system which provides approximately twice the vertical and horizontal resolution of existing television standards. It also provides audio quality approaching that of compact discs. INTERACTIVE VIDEO DATA SERVICE (IVDS) - A communication system, operating over a short distance, that allows nearly instantaneous two-way responses by using a hand-held device at a fixed location. Viewer participation in game shows, distance learning and e-mail on computer networks are examples. INSTRUCTIONAL TELEVISION FIXED SERVICE (ITFS) - A service provided by one or more fixed microwave stations operated by an educational organization and used to transmit instructional information to fixed locations. LANDLINE - Traditional wired phone service. LAND MOBILE SERVICE - A public or private radio service providing two-way communication, paging and radio signaling on land. LOW POWER FM RADIO (LPFM) - A broadcast service that permits the licensing of 50-100 watt FM radio stations within a service radius of up to 3.5 miles and 1-10 watt FM radio stations within a service radius of 1 to 2 miles. LOW POWER TELEVISION (LPTV) - A broadcast service that permits program origination, subscription service or both via low powered television translators. LPTV service includes the existing translator service and operates on a secondary basis to regular television stations. Transmitter output is limited to 1,000 watts for normal VHF stations and 100 watts when a VHF operation is on an allocated channel. MUST-CARRY (Retransmission) - A 1992 Cable Act term requiring a cable system to carry signals of both commercial and noncommercial television broadcast stations that are "local" to the area served by the cable system. NETWORK - Any connection of two or more computers that enables them to communicate. Networks may include transmission devices, servers, cables, routers and satellites. The phone network is the total infrastructure for transmitting phone messages. NUMBER PORTABILITY - A term used to describe the capability of individuals, businesses and organizations to retain their existing telephone number(s) –– and the same quality of service –– when switching to a new local service provider. OPEN VIDEO SYSTEMS - An alternative method to provide cable-like video service to subscribers. OPERATOR SERVICE PROVIDER (OSP) - A common carrier that provides services from public phones, including payphones and those in hotels/motels. PAGING SYSTEM - A one-way mobile radio service where a user carries a small, lightweight miniature radio receiver capable of responding to coded signals. These devices, called "pagers," emit an audible signal, vibrate or do both when activated by an incoming message. PERSONAL COMMUNICATIONS SERVICE (PCS) - Any of several types of wireless, voice and/or data communications systems, typically incorporating digital technology. PCS licenses are most often used to provide services similar to advanced cellular mobile or paging services. However, PCS can also be used to provide other wireless communications services, including services that allow people to place and receive communications while away from their home or office, as well as wireless communications to homes, office buildings and other fixed locations. PRESCRIBED INTEREXCHANGE CHARGE (PICC) - The charge the local exchange company assesses the long distance company when a consumer picks it as his or her long distance carrier. ROAMING - The use of a wireless phone outside of the "home" service area defined by a service provider. Higher per-minute rates are usually charged for calls made or received while roaming. Long distance rates and a daily access fee may also apply. SATELLITE - A radio relay station that orbits the earth. A complete satellite communications system also includes earth stations that communicate with each other via the satellite. The satellite receives a signal transmitted by an originating earth station and retransmits that signal to the destination earth station(s). Satellites are used to transmit telephone, television and data signals originated by common carriers, broadcasters and distributors of cable TV program material. SATELLITE HOME VIEWER IMPROVEMENT ACT OF 1999 (SHVIA) - An Act modifying the Satellite Home Viewer Act of 1988, SHVIA permits satellite companies to provide local broadcast TV signals to all subscribers who reside in the local TV station’s market. SHVIA also permits satellite companies to provide "distant" network broadcast stations to eligible satellite subscribers. SATELLITE MASTER ANTENNA TELEVISION (SMATV) - A satellite dish system used to deliver signals to multiple dwelling units (e.g., apartment buildings and trailer parks). SCANNER - A radio receiver that moves across a wide range of radio frequencies and allows audiences to listen to any of the frequencies. SERVICE PLAN - The rate plan you select when choosing a wireless phone service. A service plan typically consists of a monthly base rate for access to the system and a fixed amount of minutes per month. SERVICE PROVIDER - A telecommunications provider that owns circuit switching equipment. SLAMMING - The term used to describe what occurs when a customer’s long distance service is switched from one long distance company to another without the customer’s permission. Such unauthorized switching violates FCC rules. SPECTRUM - The range of electromagnetic radio frequencies used in the transmission of sound, data and television. SUBSCRIBER LINE CHARGE (SLC) - A monthly fee paid by telephone subscribers that is used to compensate the local telephone company for part of the cost of installation and maintenance of the telephone wire, poles and other facilities that link your home to the telephone network. These wires, poles and other facilities are referred to as the "local loop." The SLC is one component of access charges. TARIFF - The documents filed by a carrier describing their services and the payments to be charged for such services. TELEPHONE RELAY SERVICE (TRS) - A free service that enables persons with TTYs, individuals who use sign language and people who have speech disabilities to use telephone services by having a third party transmit and translate the call. TELEPHONY - The word used to describe the science of transmitting voice over a telecommunications network. TTY - A type of machine that allows people with hearing or speech disabilities to communicate over the phone using a keyboard and a viewing screen. It is sometimes called a TDD. UNBUNDLING - The term used to describe the access provided by local exchange carriers so that other service providers can buy or lease portions of its network elements, such as interconnection loops, to serve subscribers. UNIVERSAL SERVICE - The financial mechanism which helps compensate telephone companies or other communications entities for providing access to telecommunications services at reasonable and affordable rates throughout the country, including rural, insular and high costs areas, and to public institutions. Companies, not consumers, are required by law to contribute to this fund. The law does not prohibit companies from passing this charge on to customers. VERY HIGH FREQUENCY (VHF) - The part of the radio spectrum from 30 to 300 megahertz, which includes TV Channels 2-13, the FM broadcast band and some marine, aviation and land mobile services. VIDEO DESCRIPTION - An audio narration for television viewers who are blind or visually disabled, which consists of verbal descriptions of key visual elements in a television program, such as settings and actions not reflected in dialog. Narrations are inserted into the program’s natural pauses, and are typically provided through the Secondary Audio Programming channel. |
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