Feb
18
2022

February 2022 Open Commission Meeting

10:30 am - 12:30 pm EST

The FCC held this Open Meeting on the subjects listed below:

Due to the current COVID-19 pandemic and related agency telework and headquarters access policies, this meeting was held in a wholly electronic format and was open to the public on the Internet via live feed from the FCC’s web page at www.fcc.gov/live and on the FCC’s YouTube channel.

Public Drafts of Meeting Items – The FCC is publicly releasing the draft text of each item expected to be considered at this Open Commission Meeting with the exception of items involving specific, enforcement-related matters including restricted proceedings and hearing designation orders. One-page cover sheets are included in the public drafts to help summarize each item. Links to these materials are provided below.

  • Promoting Telehealth in Rural America
    The Commission considered a Further Notice of Proposed Rulemaking that would seek comment on reforms to the urban and rural rates determination process for the Rural Health Care Program’s Telecommunications Program, revisions to Rural Health Care Program rules governing the internal funding cap on upfront payments and multi-year contracts, and modifications to the Rural Health Care Program invoicing procedures. (WC Docket No. 17-310)
  • Aureon Refund Data Order
    The Commission considered an Order requiring Iowa Network Access Division (d/b/a Aureon) to file cost and demand data to enable Commission staff to calculate appropriate refunds due to Aureon’s customers after two investigations into Aureon’s tariffed switched transport rate. (WC Docket No. 18-60)
  • Updating Technical Rules for Radio Broadcasters*
    The Commission considered a Report and Order to eliminate or amend outmoded or unnecessary broadcast technical rules. (MB Docket No. 21-263)
  • Proposing a Robocalling Fine
    The Commission adopted a Notice of Apparent Liability for Forfeiture against Gregory Robbins, Interstate Brokers of America LLC, and National Health Agents LLC for apparently making 514,467 unlawful robocalls without subscribers’ prior express consent or an emergency purpose. This $45 million proposed robocall fine is the largest ever under the Telephone Consumer Protection Act.

*NOTE: This item was adopted prior to the Open Meeting teleconference and thus deleted from the agenda of the meeting itself.

Meeting Documents

FCC Seeks Comment on Further Reforms to Rural Health Care Program

FCC Requires Aureon to Submit Data for Refunds of Illegal Rate Charges

FCC Proposes $45 Million Fine Against Robocalling Telemarketer

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