39722 Federal Register / Vol. 80, No. 132 / Friday, July 10, 2015 / Proposed Rules 
diseases to the List (pursuant to PHS 
Act, section 3312(a)(6)(B)(ii) and 42 CFR 88.17(a)(2)(ii)) or publishing a determination not to publish a proposed rule in the Federal Register (pursuant to PHS Act, section 3312(a)(6)(B)(iii) and 42 CFR 88.17(a)(2)(iii)). The Administrator has also determined that requesting a recommendation from the STAC (pursuant to PHS Act, section 3312(a)(6)(B)(i) and 42 CFR 88.17(a)(2)(i)) is unwarranted. 
For the reasons discussed above, the 
request made in Petition 008 to add autoimmune diseases to the List of WTC-Related Health Conditions is denied. 
The Administrator is aware that 
another study of autoimmune diseases among WTC Health Program members is being conducted by the WTC Health Registry; however, results from this study are not yet available in the scientific literature. The Administrator will monitor the scientific literature for publication of the results of this study and any other studies that address autoimmune diseases among 9/11- exposed populations. 
Dated: July 1, 2015. 
John Howard, 
Administrator, World Trade Center Health 
Program and Director, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Department of Health and Human Services. 
[FR Doc. 2015–16942 Filed 7–9–15; 8:45 am] 
BILLING CODE 4163–18–P 
FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS 
COMMISSION 
47 CFR Part 79 
[MB Docket No. 12–107; FCC 15–56] 
Accessible Emergency Information, 
and Apparatus Requirements for Emergency Information and Video Description 
AGENCY : Federal Communications 
Commission. 
ACTION : Proposed rule. 
SUMMARY : In this document, the 
Commission seeks comments on issues related to making emergency information audibly accessible to individuals who are blind or visually impaired. Specifically, this document seeks comment on: How to prioritize aural emergency information on the secondary audio stream; whether to continue to require school closing information to be included aurally on the secondary audio stream; and whether to require MVPDs to ensure that the devices and applications they 
provide to subscribers include a simple and easy to use activation mechanism for accessing audible emergency information on the secondary audio stream. 
DATES : Comments are due on or before 
August 10, 2015; reply comments are due on or before September 8, 2015. 
ADDRESSES : You may submit comments, 
identified by MB Docket No. 12–107, by 
any of the following methods: 
•Federal Communications 
Commission (FCC) Electronic Comment Filing System (ECFS) Web site: http://
fjallfoss.fcc.gov/ecfs2/. Follow the 
instructions for submitting comments. 
•Mail: U.S. Postal Service first-class, 
Express, and Priority mail must be addressed to the FCC Secretary, Office of the Secretary, Federal Communications Commission, 445 12th Street SW., Washington, DC 20554. Commercial overnight mail (other than U.S. Postal Service Express Mail and Priority Mail) must be sent to 9300 East Hampton Drive, Capitol Heights, MD 20743. 
•Hand or Messenger Delivery: All 
hand-delivered or messenger-delivered paper filings for the FCC Secretary must be delivered to FCC Headquarters at 445 12th Street SW., Room TW–A325, Washington, DC 20554. 
•People with Disabilities: Contact the 
FCC to request reasonable accommodations (accessible format documents, sign language interpreters, CART, etc.) by email: FCC504@fcc.gov or phone: 202–418–0530; or TTY: 202– 418–0432. 
For detailed instructions for 
submitting comments and additional information on the rulemaking process, see the section IV. ‘‘Procedural Matters’’ heading of the 
SUPPLEMENTARY  
INFORMATION section of this document. 
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT : 
Evan Baranoff, Evan.Baranoff@fcc.gov, of the Media Bureau, Policy Division, (202) 418–2120. 
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION : This is a 
summary of the Commission’s Second Further Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (Second Further Notice), FCC 15–56, adopted on May 21, 2015, and released on May 28, 2015. For background, see the summary of the Second Report and Order (Second Report and Order) 
accompanying the Second Further Notice published in this issue of the 
Federal Register. The full text of this document is available electronically via the FCC’s Electronic Document Management System (EDOCS) Web site at http://fjallfoss.fcc.gov/edocs _public/ 
or via the FCC’s Electronic Comment Filing System (ECFS) Web site at http:// fjallfoss.fcc.gov/ecfs2/. (Documents will 
be available electronically in ASCII, 
Microsoft Word, and/or Adobe Acrobat.) 
This document is also available for public inspection and copying during regular business hours in the FCC Reference Information Center, Federal Communications Commission, 445 12th Street SW., CY–A257, Washington, DC, 20554. The complete text may be purchased from the Commission’s copy contractor, 445 12th Street SW., Room CY–B402, Washington, DC 20554. Alternative formats are available for people with disabilities (Braille, large print, electronic files, audio format), by sending an email to fcc504@fcc.gov or 
calling the Commission’s Consumer and Governmental Affairs Bureau at (202) 418–0530 (voice), (202) 418–0432 (TTY). 
I. Introduction 
1. In this Second Further Notice of 
Proposed Rulemaking (‘‘Second Further 
Notice’’), we seek comment on three 
issues: (i) whether we should adopt rules regarding how covered entities should prioritize emergency information conveyed aurally on the secondary audio stream when more than one source of visual emergency information is presented on-screen at the same time; (ii) whether we should reconsider the Commission’s requirement for ‘‘school closings and changes in school bus schedules’’ resulting from emergency situations to be conveyed aurally on the secondary audio stream, considering the length of such information and the limits of the secondary audio stream; and (iii) whether we should require MVPDs to ensure that the navigation devices that they provide to subscribers include a simple and easy to use activation mechanism for accessing audible emergency information on the secondary audio stream, and to provide a simple and easy to use mechanism to activate the secondary audio stream for emergency information when they permit subscribers to view linear programming on mobile and other devices as part of their MVPD services. 
II. Discussion A. Prioritization of Emergency 
Information on the Secondary Audio Stream 
2. We seek comment on how video 
programming providers and video programming distributors should prioritize emergency information conveyed aurally on the secondary audio stream when more than one source of visual emergency information is presented on-screen at the same time. 
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147 CFR 79.2(b)(2)(ii). 
2Accessible Emergency Information; Apparatus 
Requirements for Emergency Information and Video 
Description: Implementation of the Twenty-First Century Communications and Video Accessibility Act of 2010, MB Docket Nos. 12–107, 11–43, Report and Order, FCC 13–45, 78 FR 31770, para. 23 (2013) (‘‘First Report and Order’’). ‘‘Critical details include, but are not limited to, specific details regarding the areas that will be affected by the emergency, evacuation orders, detailed descriptions of areas to be evacuated, specific evacuation routes, approved shelters or the way to take shelter in one’s home, instructions on how to secure personal property, road closures, and how to obtain relief assistance.’’ Note to 47 CFR 79.2(a)(2). 
3First Report and Order, para. 24 (further noting 
that, even if a broadcaster employs text-to-speech (‘‘TTS’’) technologies, the critical details of emergency information conveyed in a graphic display can be included in the text that will be converted to speech before the TTS conversion takes place). 
4National Association of Broadcasters, Petition 
for Temporary Partial Exemption and Limited Waiver, MB Docket No. 12–107, at 10, n.11 (filed Mar. 27, 2015) (‘‘NAB Waiver Petition’’). See also 
id. at 13 (stating that ‘‘it is common for broadcasters 
to run a crawl of school closings, during both newscasts and non-newscast programming’’ and to also ‘‘run a second crawl on the screen during non- newscast programming with [ ] critical, potentially 
life-saving information, . . . [b]ut, with currently- available technology, the station would have no way of prioritizing the vital information . . . over the ongoing audible crawl of the school closings’’). 547 CFR 79.2(a)(2). 
6First Report and Order, para. 29. 
7See id. Although the Commission did not 
modify the definition of emergency information to 
delete school closings and school bus schedule changes that result from a current emergency from the list of examples, it found that covered entities have the option to air a brief audio message on the secondary audio stream at the start of the crawl indicating that this information will be aired at the conclusion of video-described programming, and to subsequently provide this information aurally on 
Continued 3. Section 79.2(b)(2)(ii) of the 
Commission’s rules requires that 
emergency information provided visually during programming that is neither a regularly scheduled newscast, nor a newscast that interrupts regular programming, must be made accessible to individuals who are blind or visually impaired through the use of a secondary audio stream to provide such information aurally.
1In the First Report 
and Order, the Commission specified that it would not require a verbatim aural translation of textual emergency information, but that the information presented aurally must accurately and effectively communicate to consumers who are blind or visually impaired the critical details about a current emergency and how to respond to it to the same extent that this information is conveyed textually.
2In addition, the 
Commission concluded that if visual but non-textual emergency information is shown during non-newscast programming, the aural description of this information must accurately and effectively convey the critical details regarding the emergency and how to respond to the emergency.
3 
4. In its recently-filed petition for 
temporary waiver of the emergency information rules, the National Association of Broadcasters (‘‘NAB’’) indicated that ‘‘maps and other graphics almost always share the screen with other crawls’’ and, thus, broadcasters may encounter an issue with how to prioritize these sources of emergency information on the secondary audio stream to ‘‘ensur[e] that the most critical audible crawl reaches the public.’’
4We seek comment on this issue. To what 
extent do broadcasters show more than one crawl or a crawl and a graphic conveying visual emergency information at the same time? In this scenario, do the crawls and graphics being shown simultaneously typically convey information about the same emergency situation? 
5. Currently, our rule requires that the 
critical details about an emergency and how to respond to it must be conveyed aurally on the secondary stream to the same extent that this information is conveyed visually. If more than one crawl or a crawl and a graphic are shown on-screen at the same time, how can covered entities ensure that all of the critical details about the emergency and how to respond are conveyed aurally? Should we adopt rules that provide guidance to covered entities on how to prioritize emergency information conveyed aurally on the secondary audio stream when graphics or multiple crawls are used? For example, should we indicate that certain categories of emergency information should be prioritized based on the severity and proximity of the emergency and the potential impact on life, health, safety, and property? If multiple critical details about an emergency are broadcast simultaneously, should we prioritize them with respect to the requirement to provide audio information about their content (e.g., if a graphic or one crawl 
is providing information about areas affected by an emergency while another crawl is providing information about evacuation orders or shelter-in-place instructions), and if so, how? Or are these fact-specific judgements better left for broadcasters to make on a case-by- case basis? 
6. Given the time-sensitive nature of 
emergency information, as well as quick-changing developments that may occur during the course of an emergency situation, should we require that only the highest priority emergency information needs to be conveyed when there are multiple sources of emergency information being shown on-screen at the same time? Or should any prioritization rules assume that all emergency information shown simultaneously must be conveyed aurally and, therefore, require that the highest priority emergency information should be conveyed before any lesser priority emergency information on the secondary audio stream? Should we rely on the good faith judgment of the broadcaster to determine what information qualifies as the highest priority? We seek comment on any other potential solutions or issues related to the prioritization of emergency information on the secondary audio stream, including how determinations of what is a higher or lower priority should be made. 
B. Inclusion of School Closing 
Information on the Secondary Audio Stream 
7. We also seek comment on whether 
the Commission should reconsider its requirement for ‘‘school closings and changes in school bus schedules’’ resulting from emergency situations to be conveyed aurally on the secondary audio stream, considering the length of such information and the limits of the secondary audio stream. 
8. ‘‘Emergency information’’ is 
currently defined in the Commission’s rules as ‘‘[i]nformation, about a current emergency, that is intended to further the protection of life, health, safety, and 
property, i.e., critical details regarding 
the emergency and how to respond to the emergency,’’ and examples of the types of emergencies covered include ‘‘tornadoes, hurricanes, floods, tidal waves, earthquakes, icing conditions, heavy snows, widespread fires, discharge of toxic gases, widespread power failures, industrial explosions, civil disorders, school closings and changes in school bus schedules resulting from such conditions, and warnings and watches of impending changes in weather.’’
5In the First 
Report and Order, the Commission declined to revise this definition of emergency information.
6In particular, 
the Commission declined to adopt NAB’s recommendation to delete ‘‘school closings and changes in school bus schedules resulting from such conditions, and warnings and watches of impending changes in weather’’ from the examples of emergency information, finding that it would be inappropriate ‘‘to narrow the definition in the interest of lessening the impact on other services provided on the secondary audio stream, given the higher priority of emergency information.’’
7Thus, 
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the secondary audio stream at the conclusion of the 
video-described programming. Id. at para. 31. 
8See id. The Commission left it to the good faith 
judgment of the broadcaster or other covered entity to decide whether school closings and school bus schedule changes result from a situation that is a current emergency based on its severity and potential to threaten life, health, safety, and property and indicated that it would not sanction broadcasters or other covered entities for a reasonable exercise of their judgment in this regard. Id. at para. 31 & n.136. But see NAB Waiver Petition 
at 11, n.14 (‘‘Rather than risking an investigation and potential fine, however, NAB respectfully submits that most broadcasters would err on the side of caution in determining whether a given school closing falls under the Audible Crawl Rule.’’). 
9See NAB Waiver Petition at 11–14. 
10Id. at 11 & n.15. 
11Id. at 12. Section 79.2(b)(2)(ii) of the 
Commission’s rules requires that emergency information provided aurally on the secondary audio stream be conveyed in full at least twice to ensure that consumers are able to hear all of the information after they switch from the main program audio to the secondary audio stream. See 47 CFR 79.2(b)(2)(ii); First Report and Order, para. 25. 
12NAB Waiver Petition at 12–13. 13Id. at 13. 
14We note that since adoption of the Second 
Report and Order the Media Bureau granted NAB’s request that the Commission temporarily waive the requirement to aurally convey school closing information on the secondary audio stream in the context of the NAB Waiver Petition. See Accessible Emergency Information, and Apparatus Requirements for Emergency Information and Video Description: Implementation of the Twenty-First Century Communications and Video Accessibility Act of 2010, Video Description: Implementation of the Twenty-First Century Communications and Video Accessibility Act of 2010, Petitions for Waiver, MB Docket Nos. 12–107, 11–43; 
Memorandum Opinion and Order, DA 15–632, para. 18 (MB rel. May 26, 2015). 
15See 47 CFR 79.1(a)(11). 
1647 U.S.C. 613(g)(2). covered entities are required by the rule 
to ensure that visual emergency information regarding school closings and school bus schedule changes resulting from emergency situations aired during non-newscast programming is conveyed aurally on a secondary audio stream.
8 
9. In its waiver petition, NAB requests 
a limited waiver of the requirement to 
include school closings in the audible crawl pending identification of an alternative solution by all interested stakeholders.
9NAB suggests that this 
issue should be referred to the Commission’s Disability Advisory Committee’s (‘‘DAC’’) Video Programming subcommittee to develop an alternative solution.
10According to 
NAB, ‘‘an audible crawl of school closings will be prolonged and inefficient’’ and could last hours, particularly given the vast number of schools typically within a station’s viewing area, as well as the Commission’s requirement that the crawl be repeated.
11Further, NAB 
argues that currently there is no way for broadcasters to prioritize ‘‘immediately impactful emergency information—such as a hurricane warning—over a prolonged reading of school closings,’’ and the school closing information could ‘‘interfere with the dissemination of more critical emergency information.’’
12NAB also contends that 
viewers expect emergency information on the secondary audio stream to be ‘‘succinct and targeted’’ since they have to switch from the main program audio to hear it, and that information on school closings is available from other sources, including email, text messages, 
radio, and Internet Web sites.
13 
10. We seek comment on NAB’s 
assertions. Given NAB’s arguments, should the Commission revise its rule to provide that ‘‘school closings and changes in school bus schedules’’ resulting from emergency situations are not required to be conveyed aurally on the secondary audio stream? Or should we revise the rule to indicate that such information must be provided on the secondary audio stream only if no other emergency information is being conveyed audibly on the secondary audio stream at the same time? Should we revise the rule to provide that such information need only be conveyed once in full, rather than twice as currently required, given the potential lengthiness of the crawl? In addition, we seek comment on the benefits of providing information about school closings and changes in school bus schedules on the secondary audio stream for individuals who are blind or visually impaired, and whether the availability of other sources of this information is adequate. Although we seek comment on this issue, we encourage broadcasters and the disability community to work toward a mutually agreeable resolution in the interim through the DAC.
14 
C. Activation Mechanism for Emergency Information on the Secondary Audio Stream—MVPD Obligations 
11. We seek comment on whether we 
should require MVPDs to provide their customers with navigation devices that contain a simple and easy to use 
activation mechanism for accessing emergency information on the secondary audio stream. In the Second Report and Order, we conclude that manufacturers of apparatus covered by section 79.105 of the Commission’s rules must provide a mechanism that is simple and easy to use, such as one that is reasonably comparable to a button, key, or icon, for activating the secondary audio stream for audible emergency information pursuant to section 203 of the CVAA. Manufacturers must provide 
this functionality on covered apparatus by December 20, 2016. Although covered apparatus, including navigation devices, will be required to have a simple and easy to use mechanism for activating the secondary audio stream by December 20, 2016, we want to ensure that compliant devices make it into the hands of MVPD customers promptly. Under section 202 of the CVAA, the Commission has authority to promulgate regulations that require video programming distributors, including MVPDs,
15‘‘to convey [ ] 
emergency information in a manner accessible to individuals who are blind or visually impaired.’’
16We believe this 
provision gives us authority to require MVPDs to provide devices with a simple and easy to use activation mechanism because conveying audible emergency information on the secondary stream would not be ‘‘accessible to individuals who are blind or visually impaired’’ if those individuals cannot readily access it. We seek comment on that view, as well as whether any other statutory provisions grant the Commission authority to adopt such a requirement. Should MVPDs be required to provide navigation devices with a simple and easy to use activation mechanism for the secondary audio stream only upon request by a customer or should MVPDs be required to provide devices with this functionality to all customers? What time frame would be appropriate for requiring MVPDs to provide navigation devices with a simple and easy to use activation mechanism for the secondary audio stream? We seek comment on these or any other issues related to implementation of such a requirement. 
12. In addition, we seek comment on 
whether we should require MVPDs to provide a simple and easy to use mechanism to activate the secondary audio stream for emergency information when they permit subscribers to view linear programming on mobile and other devices as part of their MVPD services. In the Second Report and Order, we 
adopt rules requiring MVPDs to pass through a secondary audio stream containing audible emergency information when they permit consumers to access linear programming 
on tablets, smartphones, laptops, and similar devices over the MVPD’s network as part of their MVPD services. In particular, we conclude that MVPDs must ensure that any application or plug-in that they provide to consumers to access such programming is capable 
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17See 47 CFR 79.1(a)(11). 
1847 U.S.C. 613(g)(2). 
19See 5 U.S.C. 603. The RFA, see 5 U.S.C. 601– 
612, has been amended by the Small Business 
Regulatory Enforcement Fairness Act of 1996 (‘‘SBREFA’’), Public Law 104–121, Title II, 110 Stat. 857 (1996). 20See 5 U.S.C. 603(a). 
21See id. 225 U.S.C. 603(b)(3). 
23Id. 601(6). 
24Id. 601(3) (incorporating by reference the 
definition of ‘‘small-business concern’’ in the Small Business Act, 15 U.S.C. 632). Pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 601(3), the statutory definition of a small business applies ‘‘unless an agency, after consultation with the Office of Advocacy of the Small Business Administration and after opportunity for public comment, establishes one or more definitions of such term which are appropriate to the activities of the agency and publishes such definition(s) in the Federal Register.’’ 
2515 U.S.C. 632. of passing through audible emergency 
information on a secondary audio stream. Given that the record developed in this proceeding demonstrates that 
MVPDs control the ability of consumers to select and receive the secondary audio stream for linear programming provided through an MVPD application on mobile and other devices, should we require MVPDs to provide a simple and easy to use mechanism to activate the secondary audio stream for emergency information on MVPD applications and plug-ins that allow consumers to view linear programming on mobile and other devices? As noted above, section 202 of the CVAA directs the Commission to promulgate regulations that require video programming distributors, including MVPDs,
17‘‘to convey [ ] 
emergency information in a manner accessible to individuals who are blind or visually impaired.’’
18We believe this 
provision gives us authority to require MVPDs to provide a simple and easy to use activation mechanism on MVPD applications and plug-ins that allow consumers to view linear programming on mobile and other devices because conveying audible emergency information on the secondary stream would not be ‘‘accessible to individuals who are blind or visually impaired’’ if those individuals cannot readily access it. We seek comment on that view, as well as whether any other statutory provisions grant the Commission authority to adopt such a requirement. What time frame would be appropriate for requiring MVPDs to comply? In the Second Report and Order, we adopt a compliance deadline of two years after publication in the Federal Register for 
MVPDs to pass through a secondary audio stream with audible emergency information for linear programming on tablets, smartphones, laptops, and similar devices. Should that deadline apply to the requirement for MVPDs to provide a simple and easy to use activation mechanism for the secondary audio stream? We seek comment on these or any other issues related to implementation of such a requirement. 
III. Procedural Matters A. Initial Regulatory Flexibility Act 
13. As required by the Regulatory 
Flexibility Act of 1980, as amended 
(‘‘RFA’’),
19the Commission has 
prepared this present Initial Regulatory Flexibility Analysis (‘‘IRFA’’) 
concerning the possible economic impact on small entities by the policies and rules proposed in the Second Further Notice. Written public comments are requested on this IRFA. Comments must be identified as responses to the IRFA and must be filed by the deadlines for comments as specified in the Second Further Notice. The Commission will send a copy of the Second Further Notice, including this 
IRFA, to the Chief Counsel for Advocacy of the Small Business Administration (‘‘SBA’’).
20In addition, the Second 
Further Notice and this IRFA (or 
summaries thereof) will be published in the Federal Register.
21 
1. Need for, and Objectives of, the Proposed Rule Changes 
14. In the Second Further Notice, the 
Commission seeks comment on three issues: (i) whether to adopt rules regarding how covered entities should prioritize emergency information conveyed aurally on the secondary audio stream when more than one source of visual emergency information is presented on-screen at the same time; (ii) whether to reconsider the Commission’s requirement for ‘‘school closings and changes in school bus schedules’’ resulting from emergency situations to be conveyed aurally on the secondary audio stream, considering the length of such information and the limits of the secondary audio stream; and (iii) whether to require MVPDs to ensure that the navigation devices that they provide to subscribers include a simple and easy to use activation mechanism for accessing audible emergency information on the secondary audio stream, and to provide a simple and easy to use mechanism to activate the secondary audio stream for emergency information when they permit subscribers to view linear programming on mobile and other devices as part of their MVPD services. 
2. Legal Basis 
15. The proposed action is authorized 
pursuant to the Twenty-First Century 
Communications and Video Accessibility Act of 2010, Public Law 111–260, 124 Stat. 2751, and Sections 4(i), 4(j), 303, 330(b), 713, and 716 of the Communications Act of 1934, as amended, 47 U.S.C. 154(i), 154(j), 303, 330(b), 613, and 617. 3. Description and Estimate of the 
Number of Small Entities to Which the Proposed Rules Will Apply 
16. The RFA directs the Commission 
to provide a description of and, where feasible, an estimate of the number of small entities that will be affected by the rules adopted in the Second Report and Order.
22The RFA generally defines the 
term ‘‘small entity’’ as having the same meaning as the terms ‘‘small business,’’ ‘‘small organization,’’ and ‘‘small governmental jurisdiction.’’
23In 
addition, the term ‘‘small business’’ has the same meaning as the term ‘‘small business concern’’ under the Small Business Act.
24A ‘‘small business 
concern’’ is one which: (1) Is independently owned and operated; (2) is not dominant in its field of operation; and (3) satisfies any additional criteria established by the SBA.
25Small entities 
that are directly affected by the rules adopted in the Second Report and Order include video programming providers and video programming distributors covered by section 79.2 of the Commission’s rules. 
17. Cable Television Distribution 
Services. Since 2007, these services 
have been defined within the broad economic census category of Wired Telecommunications Carriers, which was developed for small wireline businesses. This category is defined as follows: ‘‘This industry comprises establishments primarily engaged in operating and/or providing access to transmission facilities and infrastructure 
that they own and/or lease for the transmission of voice, data, text, sound, and video using wired telecommunications networks. Transmission facilities may be based on a single technology or a combination of technologies. Establishments in this industry use the wired telecommunications network facilities that they operate to provide a variety of services, such as wired telephony services, including VoIP services; wired (cable) audio and video programming distribution; and wired broadband 
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26U.S. Census Bureau, 2012 NAICS Definitions, 
‘‘517110 Wired Telecommunications Carriers’’ 
(partial definition) at http://www.census.gov/cgi- bin/sssd/naics/naicsrch. Examples of this category 
are: broadband Internet service providers ( e.g., 
cable, DSL); local telephone carriers (wired); cable television distribution services; long-distance telephone carriers (wired); closed circuit television (‘‘CCTV’’) services; VoIP service providers, using own operated wired telecommunications infrastructure; direct-to-home satellite system (‘‘DTH’’) services; telecommunications carriers (wired); satellite television distribution systems; and multichannel multipoint distribution services (‘‘MMDS’’). 
2713 CFR 121.201; NAICS Code 517110. 
28http://factfinder.census.gov/servlet/IBQTable? _
bm=y&-geo_ id=&- _skip=600&-ds _name=EC0751
SSSZ5&- _lang=en. 
2947 CFR 76.901(e). The Commission determined 
that this size standard equates approximately to a size standard of $100 million or less in annual revenues. Implementation of Sections of the Cable 
Television Consumer Protection And Competition Act of 1992: Rate Regulation, MM Docket No. 92– 266, MM Docket No. 93–215, Sixth Report and Order and Eleventh Order on Reconsideration, FCC 95–196, 60 FR 35854 (1995). 
30NCTA, Industry Data, Number of Cable 
Operating Companies (June 2012), http://www.ncta.com/Statistics.aspx (visited Sept. 28, 
2012). Depending upon the number of homes and 
the size of the geographic area served, cable operators use one or more cable systems to provide video service. See Annual Assessment of the Status of Competition in the Market for Delivery of Video Programming, MB Docket No. 12–203, Fifteenth 
Report, FCC 13–99 at para. 24 (rel. July 22, 2013) (‘‘15th Annual Competition Report’’). 
31See SNL Kagan, ‘‘Top Cable MSOs—12/12 Q’’; 
available at http://www.snl.com/InteractiveX/TopCableMSOs.aspx?period=2012Q4&sortcol=subscribersbasic&sortorder=desc. We note that, 
when applied to an MVPD operator, under this size standard (i.e., 400,000 or fewer subscribers) all but 
14 MVPD operators would be considered small. See 
NCTA, Industry Data, Top 25 Multichannel Video Service Customers (2012), http://www.ncta.com/industry-data (visited Aug. 30, 2013). The Commission applied this size standard to MVPD 
operators in its implementation of the CALM Act. See Implementation of the Commercial Advertisement Loudness Mitigation (CALM) Act, MB Docket No. 11–93, Report and Order, FCC 11– 182, 77 FR 40276, para. 37 (2011) (‘‘CALM Act Report and Order’’) (defining a smaller MVPD operator as one serving 400,000 or fewer subscribers nationwide, as of December 31, 2011). 
3247 CFR 76.901(c). 
33The number of active, registered cable systems 
comes from the Commission’s Cable Operations and Licensing System (COALS) database on Aug. 28, 2013. A cable system is a physical system integrated to a principal headend. 
3447 U.S.C. 543(m)(2); see 47 CFR 76.901(f) & nn. 
1–3. 
35See NCTA, Industry Data, Cable Video 
Customers (2012), http://www.ncta.com/industry- data (visited Aug. 30, 2013). 
3647 CFR 76.901(f); see Public Notice, FCC 
Announces New Subscriber Count for the Definition of Small Cable Operator, DA 01–158 (Cable Services Bureau, Jan. 24, 2001). 
37See NCTA, Industry Data, Top 25 Multichannel 
Video Service Customers (2012), http://www.ncta.com/industry-data (visited Aug. 30, 
2013). 
38The Commission does receive such information 
on a case-by-case basis if a cable operator appeals 
a local franchise authority’s finding that the operator does not qualify as a small cable operator pursuant to 47 CFR 76.901(f). 39See 13 CFR 121.201; 2012 NAICS code 517110. 
This category of Wired Telecommunications 
Carriers is defined as follows: ‘‘This industry comprises establishments primarily engaged in operating and/or providing access to transmission facilities and infrastructure that they own and/or lease for the transmission of voice, data, text, sound, and video using wired telecommunications networks. Transmission facilities may be based on a single technology or a combination of technologies. Establishments in this industry use the wired telecommunications network facilities that they operate to provide a variety of services, such as wired telephony services, including VoIP services; wired (cable) audio and video programming distribution; and wired broadband Internet services. By exception, establishments providing satellite television distribution services using facilities and infrastructure that they operate are included in this industry.’’ (Emphasis added to 
text relevant to satellite services.) U.S. Census Bureau, 2012 NAICS Definitions, ‘‘517110 Wired Telecommunications Carriers’’ at http://www.census.gov/cgi-bin/sssd/naics/naicsrch. 
4013 CFR 121.201; NAICS Code 517110. 
41http://factfinder.census.gov/servlet/IBQTable? _
bm=y&-geo _id=&-_ skip=600&-ds _name=EC075
1SSSZ5&-_ lang=en. 
4213 CFR 121.201; NAICS code 517510 (2002). Internet services.’’26In this category, 
the SBA deems a wired 
telecommunications carrier to be small if it has 1,500 or fewer employees.
27 
Census data for 2007 shows 3,188 firms in this category.
28Of these 3,188 firms, 
only 44 had 1,000 or more employees. While we could not find precise Census data on the number of firms with in the group with 1,500 or fewer employees, it is clear that at least 3,144 firms with fewer than 1,000 employees would be in that group. Therefore, under this size standard, we estimate that the majority of businesses can be considered small entities. 
18. Cable Companies and Systems. 
The Commission has also developed its own small business size standards for the purpose of cable rate regulation. Under the Commission’s rules, a ‘‘small cable company’’ is one serving 400,000 or fewer subscribers nationwide.
29 
Industry data shows that there were 1,141 cable companies at the end of June 2012.
30Of this total, all but 10 
incumbent cable companies are small under this size standard.
31In addition, under the Commission’s rate regulation rules, a ‘‘small system’’ is a cable system serving 15,000 or fewer subscribers.
32 
Current Commission records show 4,945 cable systems nationwide.
33Of this 
total, 4,380 cable systems have less than 20,000 subscribers, and 565 systems have 20,000 subscribers or more, based on the same records. Thus, under this standard, we estimate that most cable systems are small. 
19. Cable System Operators (Telecom 
Act Standard). The Communications Act of 1934, as amended, also contains a size standard for small cable system operators, which is ‘‘a cable operator that, directly or through an affiliate, serves in the aggregate fewer than 1 percent of all subscribers in the United States and is not affiliated with any entity or entities whose gross annual revenues in the aggregate exceed $250,000,000.’’
34There are 
approximately 56.4 million incumbent cable video subscribers in the United States today.
35Accordingly, an operator 
serving fewer than 564,000 subscribers shall be deemed a small operator, if its annual revenues, when combined with the total annual revenues of all its affiliates, do not exceed $250 million in the aggregate.
36Based on available data, 
we find that all but 10 incumbent cable operators are small under this size standard.
37We note that the 
Commission neither requests nor collects information on whether cable system operators are affiliated with entities whose gross annual revenues exceed $250 million.
38Although it 
seems certain that some of these cable system operators are affiliated with entities whose gross annual revenues exceed $250,000,000, we are unable at this time to estimate with greater precision the number of cable system operators that would qualify as small cable operators under the definition in the Communications Act. 
20. Direct Broadcast Satellite (DBS) 
Service. DBS service is a nationally 
distributed subscription service that delivers video and audio programming via satellite to a small parabolic ‘‘dish’’ antenna at the subscriber’s location. DBS, by exception, is now included in the SBA’s broad economic census category, Wired Telecommunications Carriers,
39which was developed for 
small wireline businesses. In this category, the SBA deems a wired telecommunications carrier to be small if it has 1,500 or fewer employees.
40 
Census data for 2007 shows 3,188 firms in this category.
41Of these 3,188 firms, 
only 44 had 1,000 or more employees. While we could not find precise Census data on the number of firms with in the group with 1,500 or fewer employees, it is clear that at least 3,144 firms with fewer than 1,000 employees would be in that group. Therefore, under this size standard, the majority of such businesses can be considered small. However, the data we have available as a basis for estimating the number of such small entities were gathered under a superseded SBA small business size standard formerly titled ‘‘Cable and Other Program Distribution.’’ The 
definition of Cable and Other Program Distribution provided that a small entity is one with $12.5 million or less in annual receipts.
42Currently, only two 
entities provide DBS service, which 
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43See 15th Annual Competition Report, at para. 
27. As of June 2012, DIRECTV is the largest DBS 
operator and the second largest MVPD in the United States, serving approximately 19.9 million subscribers. DISH Network is the second largest DBS operator and the third largest MVPD, serving approximately 14.1 million subscribers. Id. para. 27, 
110–11. 
44See 13 CFR 121.201; 2012 NAICS code 517110. 
This category of Wired Telecommunications Carriers is defined as follows: ‘‘This industry comprises establishments primarily engaged in operating and/or providing access to transmission facilities and infrastructure that they own and/or lease for the transmission of voice, data, text, sound, and video using wired telecommunications networks. Transmission facilities may be based on a single technology or a combination of technologies. Establishments in this industry use the wired telecommunications network facilities that they operate to provide a variety of services, such as wired telephony services, including VoIP services; wired (cable) audio and video programming distribution; and wired broadband Internet services. By exception, establishments providing satellite television distribution services using facilities and infrastructure that they operate are included in this industry.’’ (Emphasis added to 
text relevant to satellite services.) U.S. Census Bureau, 2012 NAICS Definitions, ‘‘517110 Wired Telecommunications Carriers’’ at http://www.census.gov/cgi-bin/sssd/naics/naicsrch. 
4513 CFR 121.201; NAICS Code 517110. 
46http://factfinder.census.gov/servlet/IBQTable?_
bm=y&-geo_ id=&-_ skip=600&-ds_
name=EC0751SSSZ5&-_ lang=en. 47See 13 CFR 121.201; 2012 NAICS code 517110. 
This category of Wired Telecommunications Carriers is defined in part as follows: ‘‘This industry comprises establishments primarily engaged in operating and/or providing access to transmission facilities and infrastructure that they own and/or lease for the transmission of voice, data, text, sound, and video using wired telecommunications networks. Transmission facilities may be based on a single technology or a combination of technologies. Establishments in this industry use the wired telecommunications network facilities that they operate to provide a variety of services, such as wired telephony services, including VoIP services; wired (cable) audio and video programming distribution; and wired broadband Internet services.’’ U.S. Census Bureau, 2012 NAICS Definitions, ‘‘517110 Wired Telecommunications Carriers’’ at http://www.census.gov/cgi-bin/sssd/naics/naicsrch. 
4813 CFR 121.201; NAICS Code 517110. 
49http://factfinder.census.gov/servlet/IBQTable?_
bm=y&-geo_ id=&-_ skip=600&-ds_
name=EC0751SSSZ5&-_ lang=en. 
5047 U.S.C. 571(a)(3) through (4). See Annual 
Assessment of the Status of Competition in the Market for the Delivery of Video Programming, MB 
Docket No. 06–189, Thirteenth Annual Report, FCC 07–206, 74 FR 11102, para. 135 (2009) (‘‘Thirteenth Annual Cable Competition Report’’). 
51See 47 U.S.C. 573. 
52See 13 CFR 121.201; 2012 NAICS code 517110. 
This category of Wired Telecommunications Carriers is defined in part as follows: ‘‘This industry comprises establishments primarily engaged in operating and/or providing access to transmission facilities and infrastructure that they own and/or lease for the transmission of voice, data, text, sound, and video using wired telecommunications networks. Transmission facilities may be based on a single technology or a combination of technologies. Establishments in this industry use the wired telecommunications network facilities that they operate to provide a variety of services, such as wired telephony services, including VoIP services; wired (cable) audio and video programming distribution; and wired broadband Internet services.’’ U.S. Census Bureau, 2012 NAICS Definitions, ‘‘517110 Wired Telecommunications Carriers’’ at http://www.census.gov/cgi-bin/sssd/naics/naicsrch. 
5313 CFR 121.201; NAICS Code 517110. 
54http://factfinder.census.gov/servlet/IBQTable?_
bm=y&-geo_ id=&-_ skip=600&-ds_
name=EC0751SSSZ5&-_ lang=en. 
55A list of OVS certifications may be found at 
http://www.fcc.gov/mb/ovs/csovscer.html. 
56See Thirteenth Annual Cable Competition 
Report, para. 135. BSPs are newer businesses that 
are building state-of-the-art, facilities-based networks to provide video, voice, and data services over a single network. requires a great investment of capital for 
operation: DIRECTV and DISH Network.
43Each currently offer 
subscription services. DIRECTV and DISH Network each report annual revenues that are in excess of the threshold for a small business. Because DBS service requires significant capital, we believe it is unlikely that a small entity as defined by the SBA would have the financial wherewithal to become a DBS service provider. 
21. Satellite Master Antenna 
Television (SMATV) Systems, also known as Private Cable Operators (PCOs). SMATV systems or PCOs are 
video distribution facilities that use closed transmission paths without using any public right-of-way. They acquire video programming and distribute it via terrestrial wiring in urban and suburban multiple dwelling units such as apartments and condominiums, and commercial multiple tenant units such as hotels and office buildings. SMATV systems or PCOs are now included in the SBA’s broad economic census category, Wired Telecommunications Carriers,
44which was developed for 
small wireline businesses. In this category, the SBA deems a wired telecommunications carrier to be small if it has 1,500 or fewer employees.
45 
Census data for 2007 shows 3,188 firms in this category.
46Of these 3,188 firms, 
only 44 had 1,000 or more employees. While we could not find precise Census data on the number of firms with in the group with 1,500 or fewer employees, it is clear that at least 3,144 firms with fewer than 1,000 employees would be in that group. Therefore, under this size standard, the majority of such businesses can be considered small. 
22. Home Satellite Dish (HSD) 
Service. HSD or the large dish segment 
of the satellite industry is the original satellite-to-home service offered to consumers, and involves the home reception of signals transmitted by satellites operating generally in the C- band frequency. Unlike DBS, which uses small dishes, HSD antennas are between four and eight feet in diameter and can receive a wide range of unscrambled (free) programming and scrambled programming purchased from program packagers that are licensed to facilitate subscribers’ receipt of video programming. Because HSD provides subscription services, HSD falls within the SBA-recognized definition of Wired Telecommunications Carriers.
47In this 
category, the SBA deems a wired telecommunications carrier to be small if it has 1,500 or fewer employees.
48 
Census data for 2007 shows 3,188 firms in this category.
49Of these 3,188 firms, 
only 44 had 1,000 or more employees. While we could not find precise Census data on the number of firms with in the group with 1,500 or fewer employees, it is clear that at least 3,144 firms with fewer than 1,000 employees would be in that group. Therefore, under this size standard, we estimate that the majority of businesses can be considered small entities. 
23. Open Video Services. The open 
video system (OVS) framework was established in 1996, and is one of four statutorily recognized options for the provision of video programming services by local exchange carriers.
50 The OVS framework provides 
opportunities for the distribution of video programming other than through cable systems. Because OVS operators provide subscription services,
51OVS 
falls within the SBA small business size standard covering cable services, which is Wired Telecommunications Carriers.
52In this category, the SBA 
deems a wired telecommunications carrier to be small if it has 1,500 or fewer employees.
53Census data for 2007 
shows 3,188 firms in this category.54Of 
these 3,188 firms, only 44 had 1,000 or more employees. While we could not find precise Census data on the number of firms with in the group with 1,500 or fewer employees, it is clear that at least 3,144 firms with fewer than 1,000 employees would be in that group. Therefore, under this size standard, we estimate that the majority of businesses can be considered small entities. In addition, we note that the Commission has certified some OVS operators, with some now providing service.
55 
Broadband service providers (‘‘BSPs’’) are currently the only significant 
holders of OVS certifications or local OVS franchises.
56The Commission does 
not have financial or employment information regarding the entities authorized to provide OVS, some of which may not yet be operational. Thus, again, at least some of the OVS operators may qualify as small entities. 
24. Wireless cable systems— 
Broadband Radio Service and 
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57BRS was previously referred to as Multipoint 
Distribution Service (MDS) and Multichannel 
Multipoint Distribution Service (MMDS). See Amendment of Parts 21 and 74 of the Commission’s Rules with Regard to Filing Procedures in the Multipoint Distribution Service and in the Instructional Television Fixed Service and Implementation of Section 309(j) of the Communications Act—Competitive Bidding, MM Docket No. 94–131, PP Docket No. 93–253, Report and Order, FCC 95–230, 60 FR 36524, para. 7 (1995). 
58EBS was previously referred to as the 
Instructional Television Fixed Service (ITFS). See 
id. 
5947 CFR 21.961(b)(1). 
6047 U.S.C. 309(j). Hundreds of stations were 
licensed to incumbent MDS licensees prior to implementation of Section 309(j) of the Communications Act of 1934, 47 U.S.C. 309(j). For these pre-auction licenses, the applicable standard is SBA’s small business size standard of 1,500 or fewer employees. 
61Auction of Broadband Radio Service (BRS) 
Licenses, Scheduled for October 27, 2009, Notice and Filing Requirements, Minimum Opening Bids, Upfront Payments, and Other Procedures for Auction 86, Public Notice, DA 09–1376 (WTB rel. Jun. 26, 2009). 62Id. 
63Auction of Broadband Radio Service Licenses 
Closes, Winning Bidders Announced for Auction 86, 
Down Payments Due November 23, 2009, Final Payments Due December 8, 2009, Ten-Day Petition to Deny Period, Public Notice, DA 09–2378 (WTB rel. Nov. 6, 2009). 
64U.S. Census Bureau, 2012 NAICS Definitions, 
‘‘517110 Wired Telecommunications Carriers’’ (partial definition) at http://www.census.gov/cgi- bin/sssd/naics/naicsrch. Examples of this category 
are: Broadband Internet service providers (e.g., cable, DSL); local telephone carriers (wired); cable television distribution services; long-distance telephone carriers (wired); closed circuit television (‘‘CCTV’’) services; VoIP service providers, using own operated wired telecommunications infrastructure; direct-to-home satellite system (‘‘DTH’’) services; telecommunications carriers (wired); satellite television distribution systems; 
and multichannel multipoint distribution services (‘‘MMDS’’). 6513 CFR 121.201; NAICS Code 517110. 
66http://factfinder.census.gov/servlet/IBQTable?_
bm=y&-geo_ id=&-_ skip=600&-ds_
name=EC0751SSSZ5&-_ lang=en. 
67http://wireless2.fcc.gov/UlsApp/UlsSearch/
results.jsp. 
68The term ‘‘small entity’’ within SBREFA 
applies to small organizations (non-profits) and to 
small governmental jurisdictions (cities, counties, towns, townships, villages, school districts, and special districts with populations of less than 50,000). 5 U.S.C. 601(4) through (6). 
69See 13 CFR 121.201; 2012 NAICS code 517110. 
This category of Wired Telecommunications Carriers is defined as follows: ‘‘This industry 
comprises establishments primarily engaged in operating and/or providing access to transmission facilities and infrastructure that they own and/or lease for the transmission of voice, data, text, sound, and video using wired telecommunications networks. Transmission facilities may be based on a single technology or a combination of technologies. Establishments in this industry use the wired telecommunications network facilities that they operate to provide a variety of services, such as wired telephony services, including VoIP services; wired (cable) audio and video programming distribution; and wired broadband Internet services. By exception, establishments providing satellite television distribution services using facilities and infrastructure that they operate are included in this industry.’’ (Emphasis added to 
text relevant to satellite services.) U.S. Census Bureau, 2012 NAICS Definitions, ‘‘517110 Wired Telecommunications Carriers’’ at http://www.census.gov/cgi-bin/sssd/naics/naicsrch. 
7013 CFR 121.201; NAICS Code 517110. 
71http://factfinder.census.gov/servlet/IBQTable?_
bm=y&-geo_ id=&-_ skip=600&-ds_
name=EC0751SSSZ5&-_ lang=en. Educational Broadband Service. 
Wireless cable systems use the Broadband Radio Service (BRS)
57and 
Educational Broadband Service (EBS)58 
to transmit video programming to subscribers. In connection with the 1996 BRS auction, the Commission established a small business size standard as an entity that had annual average gross revenues of no more than $40 million in the previous three calendar years.
59The BRS auctions 
resulted in 67 successful bidders obtaining licensing opportunities for 493 Basic Trading Areas (BTAs). Of the 67 auction winners, 61 met the definition of a small business. BRS also includes licensees of stations authorized prior to the auction. At this time, we estimate that of the 61 small business BRS auction winners, 48 remain small business licensees. In addition to the 48 small businesses that hold BTA authorizations, there are approximately 392 incumbent BRS licensees that are considered small entities.
60After 
adding the number of small business auction licensees to the number of incumbent licensees not already counted, we find that there are currently approximately 440 BRS licensees that are defined as small businesses under either the SBA or the Commission’s rules. In 2009, the Commission conducted Auction 86, the sale of 78 licenses in the BRS areas.
61The 
Commission offered three levels of bidding credits: (i) A bidder with attributed average annual gross revenues that exceed $15 million and do not exceed $40 million for the preceding three years (small business) received a 15 percent discount on its winning bid; (ii) a bidder with attributed average annual gross revenues that exceed $3 million and do not exceed $15 million for the preceding three years (very small business) received a 25 percent discount on its winning bid; and (iii) a bidder with attributed average annual gross revenues that do not exceed $3 million for the preceding three years (entrepreneur) received a 35 percent discount on its winning bid.
62Auction 
86 concluded in 2009 with the sale of 61 licenses.
63Of the 10 winning 
bidders, two bidders that claimed small business status won four licenses; one bidder that claimed very small business status won three licenses; and two bidders that claimed entrepreneur status won six licenses. 
25. In addition, the SBA’s placement 
of Cable Television Distribution Services in the category of Wired Telecommunications Carriers is applicable to cable-based Educational Broadcasting Services. Since 2007, these services have been defined within the broad economic census category of Wired Telecommunications Carriers, which was developed for small wireline businesses. This category is defined as follows: ‘‘This industry comprises establishments primarily engaged in operating and/or providing access to transmission facilities and infrastructure that they own and/or lease for the transmission of voice, data, text, sound, and video using wired telecommunications networks. Transmission facilities may be based on a single technology or a combination of technologies. Establishments in this industry use the wired telecommunications network facilities that they operate to provide a variety of services, such as wired telephony services, including VoIP services; wired (cable) audio and video programming distribution; and wired broadband Internet services.’’
64In this category, 
the SBA deems a wired telecommunications carrier to be small if it has 1,500 or fewer employees.
65 
Census data for 2007 shows 3,188 firms in this category.
66Of these 3,188 firms, 
only 44 had 1,000 or more employees. While we could not find precise Census data on the number of firms with in the group with 1,500 or fewer employees, it is clear that at least 3,144 firms with fewer than 1,000 employees would be in that group. Therefore, under this size standard, we estimate that the majority of businesses can be considered small entities. In addition to Census data, the Commission’s internal records indicate that as of September 2012, there are 2,241 active EBS licenses.
67The 
Commission estimates that of these 2,241 licenses, the majority are held by non-profit educational institutions and school districts, which are by statute defined as small businesses.
68 
26. Incumbent Local Exchange 
Carriers (ILECs). Neither the Commission nor the SBA has developed a small business size standard specifically for incumbent local exchange services. ILECs are included in the SBA’s economic census category, Wired Telecommunications Carriers.
69 
In this category, the SBA deems a wired telecommunications carrier to be small if it has 1,500 or fewer employees.
70 
Census data for 2007 shows 3,188 firms in this category.
71Of these 3,188 firms, 
only 44 had 1,000 or more employees. 
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7215 U.S.C. 632. 
73Letter from Jere W. Glover, Chief Counsel for 
Advocacy, SBA, to William E. Kennard, Chairman, 
FCC (May 27, 1999). The Small Business Act contains a definition of ‘‘small-business concern,’’ which the RFA incorporates into its own definition of ‘‘small business.’’ See 15 U.S.C. 632(a) (Small 
Business Act); 5 U.S.C. 601(3) (RFA). SBA regulations interpret ‘‘small business concern’’ to include the concept of dominance on a national basis. See 13 CFR 121.102(b). 
74See 13 CFR 121.201; 2012 NAICS code 517110. 
This category of Wired Telecommunications Carriers is defined as follows: ‘‘This industry comprises establishments primarily engaged in operating and/or providing access to transmission facilities and infrastructure that they own and/or lease for the transmission of voice, data, text, sound, and video using wired telecommunications networks. Transmission facilities may be based on a single technology or a combination of technologies. Establishments in this industry use the wired telecommunications network facilities that they operate to provide a variety of services, such as wired telephony services, including VoIP services; wired (cable) audio and video programming distribution; and wired broadband Internet services. By exception, establishments providing satellite television distribution services using facilities and infrastructure that they operate are included in this industry.’’ (Emphasis added to 
text relevant to satellite services.) U.S. Census Bureau, 2012 NAICS Definitions, ‘‘517110 Wired 
Telecommunications Carriers’’ at http://
www.census.gov/cgi-bin/sssd/naics/naicsrch. 
7513 CFR 121.201; NAICS Code 517110. 
76http://factfinder.census.gov/servlet/IBQTable?_
bm=y&-geo_ id=&-_ skip=600&-ds_
name=EC0751SSSZ5&-_ lang=en. While we could not find precise Census 
data on the number of firms with in the group with 1,500 or fewer employees, it is clear that at least 3,144 firms with fewer than 1,000 employees would be in that group. Therefore, under this size standard, the majority of such businesses can be considered small. 
27. Small Incumbent Local Exchange 
Carriers. We have included small 
incumbent local exchange carriers in this present RFA analysis. A ‘‘small business’’ under the RFA is one that, inter alia, meets the pertinent small business size standard (e.g., a telephone 
communications business having 1,500 or fewer employees), and ‘‘is not dominant in its field of operation.’’
72 
The SBA’s Office of Advocacy contends that, for RFA purposes, small incumbent local exchange carriers are not dominant in their field of operation because any such dominance is not ‘‘national’’ in scope.
73We have therefore included 
small incumbent local exchange carriers in this RFA analysis, although we emphasize that this RFA action has no effect on Commission analyses and determinations in other, non-RFA contexts. 
28. Competitive Local Exchange 
Carriers (CLECs), Competitive Access Providers (CAPs), Shared-Tenant Service Providers, and Other Local Service Providers. Neither the Commission nor the SBA has developed a small business size standard 
specifically for these service providers. These entities are included in the SBA’s economic census category, Wired Telecommunications Carriers.
74In this category, the SBA deems a wired 
telecommunications carrier to be small if it has 1,500 or fewer employees.
75 
Census data for 2007 shows 3,188 firms in this category.
76Of these 3,188 firms, 
only 44 had 1,000 or more employees. While we could not find precise Census data on the number of firms with in the group with 1,500 or fewer employees, it is clear that at least 3,144 firms with fewer than 1,000 employees would be in that group. Therefore, under this size standard, the majority of such businesses can be considered small. 
4. Description of Projected Reporting, 
Recordkeeping, and Other Compliance Requirements 
29. In this section, we describe the 
reporting, recordkeeping, and other compliance requirements proposed in the Second Further Notice and consider 
whether small entities are affected disproportionately by any such requirements. 
30. In the Second Further Notice, the 
Commission seeks comment on three issues: (i) Whether to adopt rules regarding how covered entities should prioritize emergency information conveyed aurally on the secondary audio stream when more than one source of visual emergency information is presented on-screen at the same time; (ii) whether to reconsider the Commission’s requirement for ‘‘school closings and changes in school bus schedules’’ resulting from emergency situations to be conveyed aurally on the secondary audio stream, considering the length of such information and the limits of the secondary audio stream; and (iii) whether to require MVPDs to ensure that the navigation devices that they provide to subscribers include a simple and easy to use activation mechanism for accessing audible emergency information on the secondary audio stream, and to provide a simple and easy to use mechanism to activate the secondary audio stream for emergency information when they permit subscribers to view linear programming on mobile and other devices as part of their MVPD services. 
31. With respect to the first issue, the 
Second Further Notice asks whether the Commission should adopt rules to provide clarity to covered entities on how to prioritize emergency information on the secondary audio stream when complying with the requirements in Section 79.2. There are no new reporting or recordkeeping requirements proposed. There will, however, be compliance requirements for video programming providers and video programming distributors, including small entities. Specifically, covered entities will need to comply with any rules that govern how to prioritize emergency information conveyed aurally on the secondary audio stream when more than one source of visual emergency information is presented on- screen at the same time. 
32. With respect to the second issue, 
the Second Further Notice seeks 
comment on whether the Commission should reconsider the requirement for ‘‘school closings and changes in school bus schedules’’ resulting from emergency situations to be conveyed aurally on the secondary audio stream, considering the length of such information and the limits of the secondary audio stream. There are no new reporting, recordkeeping, or compliance requirements proposed. 
33. With respect to the third issue, the 
Second Further Notice asks whether the Commission should require MVPDs to ensure that the navigation devices that they provide to subscribers include a simple and easy to use activation mechanism for accessing audible emergency information on the secondary audio stream, and to provide a simple and easy to use mechanism to activate the secondary audio stream for emergency information when they permit subscribers to view linear programming on mobile and other devices as part of their MVPD services. This would impose compliance requirements on MVPDs, including small MVPDs. In addition, there may be reporting or recordkeeping obligations. For example, the Commission may decide to impose a notification 
requirement so that consumers are aware of the availability of accessible navigation devices that include a simple and easy to use activation mechanism for the secondary audio stream. 
5. Steps Taken To Minimize Significant 
Impact on Small Entities and Significant Alternatives Considered 
34. The RFA requires an agency to 
describe any significant alternatives that it has considered in reaching its proposed approach, which may include the following four alternatives (among others): (1) The establishment of differing compliance or reporting requirements or timetables that take into account the resources available to small entities; (2) the clarification, consolidation, or simplification of compliance and reporting requirements under the rule for small entities; (3) the 
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775 U.S.C. 603(c)(1) through (c)(4). 78H.R. Rep. No. 111–563, 111th Cong., 2d Sess. 
at 19 (2010); S. Rep. No. 111–386, 111th Cong., 2d 
Sess. at 1 (2010). 
79The Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (PRA), 
Public Law 104–13, 109 Stat 163 (1995) (codified in Chapter 35 of title 44 U.S.C.). 
80The Small Business Paperwork Relief Act of 
2002 (SBPRA), Public Law 107–198, 116 Stat 729 (2002) (codified in Chapter 35 of title 44 U.S.C.); see 
44 U.S.C. 3506(c)(4). 
8147 CFR 1.1200 et seq. 82See 47 CFR 1.415, 1419. 
83See Electronic Filing of Documents in 
Rulemaking Proceedings, GC Docket No. 97–113, Report and Order, FCC 98–56, 63 FR 24121 (1998). use of performance, rather than design, 
standards; and (4) an exemption from coverage of the rule, or any part thereof, for small entities.
77 
35. Two of the rule changes 
contemplated by the Second Further Notice would not impose a significant 
impact on small entities. The Commission is considering a rule that would provide guidance to covered entities on how to prioritize emergency information on the secondary audio stream when there are multiple sources of visual emergency information shown on-screen during non-newscast programming, and the costs and burdens associated with such a rule are expected to be de minimis or non- existent. Further, the Commission is considering whether to reconsider the requirement for ‘‘school closings and changes in school bus schedules’’ resulting from emergency situations to be conveyed aurally on the secondary audio stream. Such a rule change would minimize the costs and burdens on regulated entities of all sizes. 
36. The Commission is also seeking 
comment on whether to require MVPDs to ensure that the navigation devices that they provide to subscribers include a simple and easy to use activation mechanism for accessing audible emergency information on the secondary audio stream, and to provide a simple and easy to use mechanism to activate the secondary audio stream for emergency information when they permit subscribers to view linear programming on mobile and other devices as part of their MVPD services. This proposed rule may have an economic impact in some cases, and that impact may affect small entities. Although the Commission has considered alternatives where possible, as directed by the RFA, to minimize economic impact on small entities, we emphasize that our action is governed by the congressional mandate contained in section 202 of the CVAA. 
37. Based on these considerations, we 
believe that, in proposing additional rules in the Second Further Notice, we have appropriately considered both the interests of blind or visually impaired individuals and the interests of the entities who will be subject to the rules, 
including those that are smaller entities, consistent with Congress’ goal to ‘‘update the communications laws to help ensure that individuals with disabilities are able to fully utilize communications services and equipment and better access video 
programming.’’
78 
6. Federal Rules That May Duplicate, Overlap, or Conflict With the Proposed Rule 
38. None. 
B. Paperwork Reduction Act 
39. This document does not contain 
proposed information collection requirements subject to the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (PRA).
79In 
addition, therefore, it does not contain any proposed information collection burden for small business concerns with fewer than 25 employees, pursuant to the Small Business Paperwork Relief Act of 2002.
80 
C. Ex Parte Rules 
40. We remind interested parties that 
this proceeding is treated as a ‘‘permit- but-disclose’’ proceeding in accordance with the Commission’s ex parte rules.
81 
Persons making ex parte presentations must file a copy of any written presentation or a memorandum summarizing any oral presentation within two business days after the presentation (unless a different deadline applicable to the Sunshine period applies). Persons making oral ex parte presentations are reminded that memoranda summarizing the presentation must (1) list all persons attending or otherwise participating in the meeting at which the ex parte presentation was made, and (2) summarize all data presented and arguments made during the presentation. If the presentation consisted in whole or in part of the presentation of data or arguments already reflected in the presenter’s written comments, memoranda, or other filings in the proceeding, the presenter may provide citations to such data or arguments in his or her prior comments, memoranda, or other filings (specifying the relevant page and/or paragraph numbers where such data or arguments can be found) in lieu of summarizing them in the memorandum. Documents shown or given to Commission staff 
during ex parte meetings are deemed to 
be written ex parte presentations and must be filed consistent with rule 1.1206(b). In proceedings governed by rule 1.49(f) or for which the 
Commission has made available a method of electronic filing, written ex parte presentations and memoranda 
summarizing oral ex parte presentations, and all attachments thereto, must be filed through the electronic comment filing system available for that proceeding, and must be filed in their native format (e.g., .doc, 
.xml, .ppt, searchable .pdf). Participants in this proceeding should familiarize themselves with the Commission’s ex parte rules. 
D. Filing Requirements 
41. Pursuant to sections 1.415 and 
1.419 of the Commission’s rules,
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interested parties may file comments and reply comments on or before the dates indicated on the first page of this document. All comments are to reference MB Docket No. 12–107 and may be filed using: (1) The Commission’s Electronic Comment Filing System (ECFS) or (2) by filing paper copies.
83 
DElectronic Filers: Comments may be 
filed electronically using the Internet by accessing the ECFS: http://fjallfoss.fcc.gov/ecfs2/. 
DPaper Filers: Parties who choose to 
file by paper must file an original and one copy of each filing. If more than one docket or rulemaking number appears in the caption of this proceeding, filers must submit two additional copies for each additional docket or rulemaking number. 
Filings can be sent by hand or 
messenger delivery, by commercial overnight courier, or by first-class or overnight U.S. Postal Service mail. All filings must be addressed to the Commission’s Secretary, Office of the Secretary, Federal Communications Commission. 
DAll hand-delivered or messenger- 
delivered paper filings for the Commission’s Secretary must be delivered to FCC Headquarters at 445 12th St. SW., Room TW–A325, Washington, DC 20554. The filing hours are 8:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. All hand deliveries must be held together with rubber bands or fasteners. Any envelopes and boxes must be disposed of before entering the building. 
DCommercial overnight mail (other 
than U.S. Postal Service Express Mail and Priority Mail) must be sent to 9300 East Hampton Drive, Capitol Heights, MD 20743. 
DU.S. Postal Service first-class, 
Express, and Priority mail must be 
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84Documents will generally be available 
electronically in ASCII, Microsoft Word, and/or 
Adobe Acrobat. addressed to 445 12th Street SW., 
Washington, DC 20554. 
42. People with Disabilities: To 
request materials in accessible formats for people with disabilities (braille, large print, electronic files, audio format), send an email to mailto:fcc504@fcc.gov or call the 
Consumer & Governmental Affairs Bureau at 202–418–0530 (voice), 202– 418–0432 (tty). 
43. Availability of Documents. 
Comments and reply comments will be publically available online via ECFS.
84 
These documents will also be available for public inspection during regular business hours in the FCC Reference Information Center, which is located in Room CY–A257 at FCC Headquarters, 445 12th Street SW., Washington, DC 20554. The Reference Information Center is open to the public Monday through Thursday from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. 
E. Additional Information 
44. For additional information on this 
proceeding, contact Maria Mullarkey, 
Maria.Mullarkey@fcc.gov, of the Media 
Bureau, Policy Division, (202) 418– 2120. 
IV. Ordering Clauses 
45. Accordingly, it is ordered that, 
pursuant to the Twenty-First Century 
Communications and Video Accessibility Act of 2010, Public Law 111–260, 124 Stat. 2751, and the authority found in Sections 4(i), 4(j), 303, 330(b), 713, and 716 of the Communications Act of 1934, as amended, 47 U.S.C. 154(i), 154(j), 303, 330(b), 613, and 617, this Second Further Notice of Proposed Rulemaking is adopted. 
46. It is further ordered that the 
Commission’s Consumer and Governmental Affairs Bureau, Reference Information Center, shall send a copy of this Second Further Notice of Proposed 
Rulemaking in MB Docket No. 12–107, 
including the Initial Regulatory Flexibility Analysis, to the Chief Counsel for Advocacy of the Small Business Administration. 
Federal Communications Commission. 
Marlene H. Dortch, Secretary. 
[FR Doc. 2015–16323 Filed 7–9–15; 8:45 am] 
BILLING CODE 6712–01–P DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE 
National Oceanic and Atmospheric 
Administration 
50 CFR Part 648 
RIN 0648–XE008 
Magnuson-Stevens Fishery 
Conservation and Management Act Provisions; Fisheries of the Northeastern United States; Northeast Groundfish Fishery; Denial of Petition for Rulemaking for Gulf of Maine Cod 
AGENCY : National Marine Fisheries 
Service (NMFS), National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), Commerce. 
ACTION : Notice of agency decision. 
SUMMARY : In response to the most recent 
stock assessment for Gulf of Maine cod, which indicated that the stock is at historically low abundance levels, a group of environmental organizations have requested that NMFS initiate rulemaking to make the following changes: prohibit commercial and recreational fishing for Gulf of Maine cod until the incidental fishing mortality does not exceed the acceptable biological catch limit; and limit catch, including discards, to the level that achieves the fishing mortality that meets rebuilding requirements, in accordance with Amendment 16 to the Northeast Multispecies Fishery Management Plan. After reviewing the petition and considering recent management measures we have implemented to prevent overfishing of Gulf of Maine cod and promote Gulf of Maine cod rebuilding efforts, we are denying the Petition for Rulemaking request. 
DATES : The petition for rulemaking was 
denied on June 4, 2015. 
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT : 
William Whitmore, Fishery Policy Analyst, phone: 978–281–9182; email: William.Whitmore@noaa.gov. 
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION : A group of 
environmental organizations, including The Center for Biological Diversity, Greenpeace, SandyHook Life Foundation, and The Turtle Island Restoration Network, have requested that NMFS initiate rulemaking under the Administrative Procedure Act. The petitioners request that, because the most recent stock assessment for Gulf of Maine (GOM) cod indicates that the stock is at historically low abundance levels, NMFS initiate rulemaking to make the following changes: (1) Prohibit commercial and recreational fishing for GOM cod until the incidental fishing mortality does not exceed the acceptable biological catch (ABC) limit; and (2) limit catch, including discards, to the level that achieves the fishing mortality that meets rebuilding requirements (F
rebuild ), in accordance with 
Amendment 16 to the Northeast Multispecies Fishery Management Plan (FMP). 
We are denying the Petition for 
Rulemaking. The measures in Framework Adjustment 53 to the FMP (80 FR 25110; May 1, 2015), combined with other conservation and management measures we implemented for the recreational fishery (80 FR 25160; May 1, 2015), are expected to prevent catch from exceeding the ABC, prevent overfishing, and rebuild the GOM cod stock within the rebuilding period. Further, we intend to carefully monitor updated stock assessment information, which will be available later this year, and will adjust measures, if necessary, to address any changes to stock condition. We carefully considered the available information and determined that all of the management measures implemented in the Framework 53 final rule, along with corresponding recreational measures, and our continued close monitoring of the stock’s condition, will provide sufficient protection for GOM cod to prevent overfishing and contribute to rebuilding consistent with the requirements of the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act. These measures balance Magnuson- Stevens Act objectives, including achieving optimum yield and taking into account the needs of fishing communities, without compromising conservation objectives to prevent overfishing and rebuild the stock. In effect, therefore, Framework 53, combined with the other recreational measures, achieves exactly what the petition for rulemaking seeks. Moreover, Framework 53 was developed and implemented through the preferred Regional Fishery Management Council process as intended by the Magnuson- Stevens Act. Accordingly, as described in more detail below, neither a Secretarial amendment nor an emergency action is necessary or warranted to further limit GOM cod mortality at this time. 
Background Petition Request 
In August 2014, the Northeast 
Fisheries Science Center updated the 
2012 benchmark GOM cod stock assessment. The assessment found that the GOM cod stock is overfished, subject to overfishing, and that the condition of the stock had declined 
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