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The United States Government Manual
Federal Communications Commission
445 Twelfth Street SW., Washington, DC 20554
888-225-5322
TTY, 888-835-5322
http://www.fcc.gov
Commissioners
| CHAIR | Brendan Carr |
| Geoffrey Starks | |
| Nathan Simington | |
| Anna M. Gomez |
Bureau/Office Chiefs
| Consumer and Governmental Affairs | Eduard Bartholme |
| Enforcement | Patrick Webre |
| Media | Erin Boone |
| Public Safety and Homeland Security | Zenji Nakazawa |
| Space | Jay Schwarz |
| Wireline Competition | Trent Harkrader |
| Wireless Telecommunications | Joel Taubenblatt |
| Engineering and Technology | Ira Keltz |
| Economics and Analytics | Catherine Matraves |
| International Affairs | Thomas Sullivan |
Office Heads
| General Counsel | Adam Candeub |
| Managing Director | Mark Stephens |
| CHIEFS | |
| Administrative Law Judges | Jane Hinckley Halprin |
| Inspector General | Fara Damelin |
| DIRECTORS | |
| Communications Business Opportunities | Jamie Saloom, Acting |
| Legislative Affairs | Matt Mittelstaedt |
| Media Relations | Katie Gorscak, Acting |
| Workplace Diversity | Larry Hudson |
| Workplace Diversity | (Vacancy) |
| Inspector General | David L. Hunt |
The above list of key personnel was updated 10–2018.
The Federal Communications Commission regulates interstate and foreign communications by radio, television, wire, satellite, and cable in all 50 states, the District of Columbia and the U.S. territories. A U.S. government agency overseen by Congress, the Commission is the federal agency responsible for implementing and enforcing America's communications law and regulations.
The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) was established by the Communications Act of 1934 (47 U.S.C. 151 et seq.) and is charged with regulating interstate and foreign communications by wire and radio in the public interest. The scope of FCC regulation includes radio and television broadcasting; telephone and cable television operation; two-way radio and radio operators; and satellite communication.
The Commission comprises five members whom the President appoints with the advice and consent of the Senate. One of the members is designated by the President as the Chair.
https://www.fcc.gov/about/overviewActivities
Consumer and Governmental Affairs Bureau
The Consumer and Governmental Affairs Bureau develops and administers the FCC's consumer and governmental affairs policies and initiatives. The Bureau facilitates public participation in the Commission's decisionmaking process; represents the Commission on consumer and Government committees, working groups, task forces, and conferences; works with public, Federal, State, local, and tribal agencies to develop and coordinate policies; oversees the Consumer Advisory Committee, the Disability Advisory Committee, and the Intergovernmental Advisory Committee; offers expert advice on applicable disability and accessibility requirements, rules, and regulations, and assists with compliance; resolves informal complaints; and conducts consumer outreach and education programs.
https://www.fcc.gov/consumer-governmental-affairs#block-menu-block-4Enforcement Bureau
The Enforcement Bureau serves as the FCC's primary agency for enforcing the Communications Act, other communications statutes, and the FCC's rules. The Bureau investigates and resolves complaints regarding common carriers (wireline, wireless, and international) and noncommon carriers subject to the Commission's jurisdiction under Title II of the Communications Act; radio frequency interference, equipment, and devices; accessibility to communications services and equipment for persons with disabilities; noncompliance with the lighting and marking of radio transmitting towers and pole attachment regulations; and unauthorized construction and operation of communication facilities and false distress signals.
https://www.fcc.gov/enforcement#block-menu-block-4Space Bureau
The Space Bureau plays a key role in advancing the Commission’s Space Innovation Agenda to meet the needs of the next generation Space Age. The Space Bureau promotes a competitive and innovative global communications marketplace by leading policy and licensing matters related to satellite and space-based communications and activities. Among its responsibilities, it: leads complex policy analysis and rulemakings; authorizes satellite and earth station systems used for space-based services; streamlines regulatory processes to provide maximum flexibility for operators to meet customer needs; and fosters the efficient use of scarce spectrum and orbital resources. The Space Bureau also serves as the FCC’s focal point for coordination with other U.S. government agencies on matters of space policy and governance, and collaborates with the Office of International Affairs (OIA) for consultations with other countries, international and multi-lateral organizations, and foreign government officials that involve satellite and space policy matters.
https://www.fcc.gov/spaceMedia Bureau
The Media Bureau oversees broadcast radio, television, and cable policy and licensing, as well as post-licensing matters for satellite services. The Bureau also conducts rulemaking proceedings and studies, resolves waiver petitions, and processes applications for authorization, assignment, transfer, and renewal of radio, television, and cable television relay services.
https://www.fcc.gov/media#block-menu-block-4Public Safety and Homeland Security Bureau
The Public Safety and Homeland Security Bureau develops, recommends, and administers the FCC's policies on public safety communication. This includes 911 and E911, operability and interoperability of public safety communications, communications infrastructure protection and disaster response, and network security and reliability. The Bureau also disseminates public safety communication information for emergency communication programs; alerting and warning U.S. citizens; continuity of government operations and operational planning; public safety outreach (e.g., first-responder organizations and hospitals); disaster management coordination and outreach; and studies and reports of public safety, homeland security, and disaster management issues.
https://www.fcc.gov/public-safety-and-homeland-security#block-menu-block-4 | Email: pshsbinfo@fcc.govWireless Telecommunications Bureau
The Wireless Telecommunications Bureau administers all domestic commercial and private wireless communication programs and rules. It addresses present and future wireless communication and spectrum needs; promotes access, efficiency, and innovation in the allocation, licensing, and use of electromagnetic spectrum; ensures choice, opportunity, and fairness in the development of wireless communication services and markets; and encourages the development and widespread availability of wireless communication devices, facilities, and services. The Bureau also develops, recommends, administers, and coordinates policy for wireless communication services, including rulemaking, interpretations, and equipment standards; advises the public on FCC rules; serves as the FCC's principal policy and administrative resource for all spectrum auctions; and processes wireless service and facility authorization applications.
https://www.fcc.gov/wireless-telecommunications#block-menu-block-4Wireline Competition Bureau
The Wireline Competition Bureau advises and makes recommendations to the FCC on policies affecting telephone landlines and fixed broadband. Its programs protect affordable communications access for health care providers, libraries, schools, and lifeline and rural consumers. The Bureau also ensures choice, opportunity, and fairness in the development of wireline communications; assesses the present and future wireline communication needs of the Nation; encourages the development and widespread availability of wireline communication services; and promotes investment in wireline communication infrastructure.
https://www.fcc.gov/wireline-competition#block-menu-block-4Engineering and Technology
The Office of Engineering and Technology (OET) supports the proper management of spectrum and provide leadership to create new opportunities for competitive technologies and services for the American public. It maintains the U.S. Table of Frequency Allocations, manages the Experimental Licensing and Equipment Authorization programs, regulates the operation of unlicensed devices, and conducts engineering and technical studies.
https://www.fcc.gov/engineering-technologyEconomics and Analytics
The Office of Economics and Analytics (OEA) is tasked with expanding and deepening the use of economics and data analytics in the Commission’s policymaking. To that end, OEA performs economic analyses of rulemakings, adjudications, and transactions. OEA also develops and implements (1) spectrum auctions and auctions for universal service support, (2) the Commission’s data practices and policies, and (3) many of the Commission’s largest data collections.
https://www.fcc.gov/economics-and-analyticsInternational Affairs
The International Bureau serves as the FCC's principal representative at international conferences and in international negotiations. The Bureau promotes procompetitive policies abroad, coordinating the FCC’s global spectrum activities and advocating U.S. interests in international communications and competition. It provides advice and technical assistance to U.S. trade officials in the negotiation and implementation of telecommunications trade agreements. It also encourages the international coordination of spectrum allocation and of frequency and orbital assignments to minimize cases of international radio interference involving U.S. licenses.
https://www.fcc.gov/international#block-menu-block-4Sources of Information
Blog
The FCC maintains a blog.
https://www.fcc.gov/news-events/blogAcquisition, Procurement, and Compliance
The FCC relies on contractors for goods and services to carry out its mission. Many of these procurements are suitable for small businesses, and some offer opportunities for subcontracting possibilities. FCC obtains most goods and services using GSA Schedules. Major procurements included are services supporting FCC IT systems, administrative and professional services, and facility and maintenance services
https://www.fcc.gov/about-fcc/contracting | Email: EACHelp@fcc.govCareer Opportunities
The FCC maintains a web-based recruitment system that allows employees and outside job seekers to apply for job opportunities online.
https://www.fcc.gov/general/fcc-jobsIn 2023, the FCC ranked 13th among 26 midsize Government agencies in the Partnership for Public Service's Best Places To Work Agency Rankings.
http://bestplacestowork.org/BPTW/rankings/detail/FC00Consumer Help Center
For general information on FCC operations, contact the FCC Consumer Center, Phone, 888-835-5322.
https://www.fcc.gov/consumersEx-Parte Presentations
For more information, contact the Commission's Office of General Counsel. Phone, 202-418-1720.
https://www.fcc.gov/proceedings-actions/ex-parteFederal Advisory Committee Management
For more information, contact the Office of Managing Director. Phone, 202-418-2178.
https://www.fcc.gov/about-fcc/advisory-committees-fccFees
Information on the FCC's fee programs is available online or from the Registration System / Fee Filer Help Desk. Phone, 877-480-3201 (option 4).
https://www.fcc.gov/licensing-databases/fees | Email: ARINQUIRIES@fcc.govFreedom of Information Act
For more information, contact the FOIA Requester Service Center. Phone, 202-418-1379.
https://www.fcc.gov/general/foia | Email: foia@fcc.govInternal Equal Employment Practices
For more information, contact the Office of Workplace Diversity. Phone, 202-418-1799.
https://www.fcc.gov/workplace-diversityInternships
Information on FCC internships is available online.
https://www.fcc.gov/general/internships-available-fccLicensing
Information on the FCC's licensing systems is available online.
http://www.fcc.gov/licensingNews
The Office of Media Relations distributes public notices and press releases and makes them available online.
https://www.fcc.gov/media-relationsOffices / Bureaus
The "Offices and Bureaus" web page includes a brief description of FCC offices and bureaus, as well as links to related webpages with additional information.
https://www.fcc.gov/offices-bureaus#block-menu-block-4Organizational Chart
The FCC's organizational chart is available in Portable Document Format (PDF) for viewing and downloading.
https://www.fcc.gov/sites/default/files/FCC-OrgChart_0.pdfThe organizational charts of FCC offices and bureaus are available online in Portable Document Format (PDF) for viewing and downloading.
https://www.fcc.gov/about-fcc/organizational-charts-fcc(%blankline%)
Public Inspection
Records that are deemed nonconfidential by law can be viewed on the FCC's Web site. Each broadcasting station maintains a current copy of its application for license, operational information, and nonconfidential FCC reports for public inspection.
Publications
The Consumer and Governmental Affairs Bureau maintains an online consumer publications library.
https://www.fcc.gov/consumersSocial Media
To inform and to connect and engage with the general public, the FCC uses social media: Disqus, Facebook, GitHub, Instagram,LinkedIn, X, and YouTube.
https://www.fcc.gov/social-mediaFor further information, contact the Consumer Center, Federal Communications Commission, 445 Twelfth Street SW., Washington, DC 20554. Phone, 888-225-5322. TTY, 888-835-5322.