Federal Administrative Decisions and Resources: FCC

Whenever Congress enacts a law affecting telecommunications, the FCC starts a proceeding to create the rules and policies required by the new law. The commission also may start a proceeding when an outside party files a petition seeking a new law or change in existing rules.

The FCC is responsible for managing and licensing the electromagnetic spectrum for commercial users and for non-commercial users including: state, county and local governments. This includes public safety, commercial and non-commercial fixed and mobile wireless services, broadcast television and radio, satellite and other services. In licensing the spectrum, the Commission promotes efficient and reliable access to the spectrum for a variety of innovative uses as well as promotes public safety and emergency response.

Search interfaces for more than 40 specialized FCC databases such as radio call signs and equipment authorization.

Collects information from web pages and many types of documents on the FCC's web site and the Electronic Document Management System (EDOCS).

The Office of General Counsel of the Federal Communications Commission serves as the chief legal advisor to the Commission and to its various bureaus and offices. The General Counsel also represents the Commission in litigation in federal courts, recommends decisions in adjudicatory matters before the Commission, assists the Commission in its decision making capacity and performs a variety of legal functions regarding internal and other administrative matters.

1928-2010 (citations, occasional links to full text).

2006 to 2017. (links to full-text opinions).