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Pursuant to Section 257 of the Communications Act of 1934, as amended, Congress directed the FCC to identify and eliminate, through regulatory action, market entry barriers for entrepreneurs and other small businesses in the provision and ownership of telecommunications and information services, or in the provision of parts or services to providers of telecommunications or information services.  

  • On June 15, 2004, the FCC's Media Bureau issued a Public Notice requesting for comment on ways to further the Section 257 mandate and to build on earlier FCC studies.  
  • The Media Bureau issued a Public Notice extending the comment period to expire on September 10, 2004 and the reply comment period to expire on October 8, 2004.

Report to Congress Identifying and Eliminating Market Entry Barriers for Entrepreneurs and Other Small Businesses

To gauge our progress, Congress requires us to submit, every three years, a Report that details our regulatory activity in these areas and that identifies statutory barriers to entry for entrepreneurs and other small businesses.

 

Section 257 Triennial Report to Congress (October 27, 2016).

Section 257 Triennial Report to Congress (March 3, 2011).

Archive.  Archive of released Section 257 Triennial Reports to Congress.