Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Chairman Brendan Carr has unveiled the agenda for the upcoming Open Commission Meeting scheduled for Thursday, February 27, 2025. For cord cutters one of the biggest things they will take on is cracking down on excessively loud commercials along with other issues.
The first item on the agenda is titled “Enhancing National Security Through the Auctioning of Spectrum Licenses.” This involves a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking to update the rules for the AWS-3 spectrum auction, aligning them with current best practices. This step is crucial under the Spectrum and Secure Technology and Innovation Act, which mandates the auction of these licenses by June 23, 2026. The initiative is seen as a move to bolster national security by ensuring efficient use of spectrum resources.
Next, the FCC will delve into “Exploring New Uses for Mid-Band Spectrum in the Upper C-band.” A Notice of Inquiry will be considered to evaluate the potential of freeing up more mid-band spectrum for innovative services. This exploration is aimed at meeting the anticipated demand for spectrum, fostering economic growth, and enhancing American security interests.
Public safety takes center stage with the agenda item “Making Wireless Emergency Alerts More Responsive to Public Safety and Consumer Needs.” The Commission will consider a Report and Order and Further Notice of Proposed Rulemaking to enhance the customization of Wireless Emergency Alerts. This would empower emergency managers and consumers alike to tailor alert systems to their needs, potentially increasing the effectiveness of these alerts and decreasing opt-out rates among consumers.
In an effort to tackle the persistent issue of robocalls, the agenda includes “Strengthening Call Blocking Rules.” A new Report and Order will extend the obligation to block calls based on a reasonable do-not-originate list to all providers within the call path. Additionally, a unique code will be designated to inform callers when their calls are blocked, aiming to refine the call blocking process and reduce unwanted calls.
Lastly, addressing consumer annoyance, the Commission will review “Combatting Loud Commercial Advertisements” with a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking. This will look into updating the rules on commercial loudness, which have been in place since 2012, to see if adjustments are necessary to reduce the volume disparity between programming and commercials.
This February meeting showcases the FCC’s proactive approach under Chairman Carr’s leadership, aiming to navigate the complexities of modern telecommunications with a focus on security, innovation, and consumer benefits. The outcomes of these discussions could significantly influence the landscape of American communications and emergency response systems.
Here is how the FCC describes all the proposals they will cover during the meeting:
Enhancing National Security Though the Auctioning of Spectrum Licenses – The Commission will consider a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking that would update 10 year-old AWS-3 service-specific competitive bidding rules to bring those rules in line with current practice as the first step in fulfilling the Commission’s statutory obligation to initiate an auction of licenses for the AWS-3 spectrum in the Commission’s inventory by June 23, 2026, under the Spectrum and Secure Technology and Innovation Act. (GN Docket Nos. 25-70, 25-71, 13-185)
Exploring New Uses for Mid-Band Spectrum in the Upper C-band – The Commission will consider a Notice of Inquiry exploring whether, and if so how, we could free up additional mid-band spectrum for new services in the Upper C-band to meet projected spectrum demand, spur economic growth, and advance American security interests. (GN Docket No. 25-59)
Making Wireless Emergency Alerts More Responsive to Public Safety and Consumer Needs – The Commission will consider a Report and Order and Further Notice of Proposed Rulemaking intended to give emergency managers and consumers greater customization of the Wireless Emergency Alerts they send and receive, which would increase public safety and reduce consumers opting out of this life-saving service. (PS Docket Nos. 15-91, 15-94)
Strengthening Call Blocking Rules – The Commission will consider a Report and Order that strengthens the Commission’s call blocking rules by expanding the requirement to block calls based on a reasonable do-not-originate list to include all providers in the call path and by designating an exclusive code to notify callers when certain calls are blocked. (CG Docket No. 17-59)
Combatting Loud Commercial Advertisements – The Commission will consider a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking that would undertake a review of the Commission’s commercial loudness rules, in effect since 2012, and seek comment on the need for updates or changes. (MB Docket No. 25-72)
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