**GAO-07-1046**                      Published: Sep 06, 2007. Publicly Released: Oct 03, 2007.                  

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## Highlights

The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) is charged with regulating interstate and international communications by radio, television, wire, satellite, and cable. The Telecommunications Act of 1996 established that FCC should promote competition and reduce regulation to secure lower prices and higher-quality services for American consumers. FCC implements its policy aims through rulemaking, whereby the agency notifies the public of a proposed rule and provides an opportunity for the public to participate in the rule's development. These rulemakings are documented within a public docket that contains the rulemaking record. In response to a congressional request on FCC rulemaking, GAO (1) described FCC's rulemaking process; (2) determined, for specific rulemakings, the extent to which FCC followed its process; and (3) identified factors that contributed to some dockets and rulemakings remaining open. GAO reviewed recent FCC rules, interviewed FCC officials and stakeholders, and conducted case studies of rulemakings.

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## Topics

Telecommunications

Federal regulationsGovernment information disseminationIndependent regulatory commissionsInformation disclosurePolicy evaluationPublic recordsRegulatory agenciesTelecommunication policyTelecommunicationsTelecommunications industryCommunications regulationPolicies and procedures