dreamproit/uscode huggingface dataset:
47 U.S.C. § 211 (TELECOMMUNICATIONS)
§ 211. Contracts of carriers; filing with Commission
(a) Every carrier subject to this chapter shall file with the Commission copies of all contracts, agreements, or arrangements with other carriers, or with common carriers not subject to the provisions of this chapter, in relation to any traffic affected by the provisions of this chapter to which it may be a party.
(b) The Commission shall have authority to require the filing of any other contracts of any carrier, and shall also have authority to exempt any carrier from submitting copies of such minor contracts as the Commission may determine.
(June 19, 1934, ch. 652, title II, § 211, 48 Stat. 1073.)
heading: Editorial Notes
heading: References in Text
text: This chapter, referred to in subsec. (a), was in the original “this Act”, meaning act June 19, 1934, ch. 652, 48 Stat. 1064, known as the Communications Act of 1934, which is classified principally to this chapter. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see section 609 of this title and Tables.
47 U.S.C. § 212 (TELECOMMUNICATIONS)
§ 212. Interlocking directorates; officials dealing in securities
It shall be unlawful for any person to hold the position of officer or director of more than one carrier subject to this chapter, unless such holding shall have been authorized by order of the Commission, upon due showing in form and manner prescribed by the Commission, that neither public nor private interests will be adversely affected thereby: Provided, That the Commission may authorize persons to hold the position of officer or director in more than one such carrier, without regard to the requirements of this section, where it has found that one of the two or more carriers directly or indirectly owns more than 50 per centum of the stock of the other or others, or that 50 per centum or more of the stock of all such carriers is directly or indirectly owned by the same person. After this section takes effect it shall be unlawful for any officer or director of any carrier subject to this chapter to receive for his own benefit directly or indirectly, any money or thing of value in respect of negotiation, hypothecation, or sale of any securities issued or to be issued by such carrier, or to share in any of the proceeds thereof, or to participate in the making or paying of any dividends of such carriers from any funds properly included in capital account.
(June 19, 1934, ch. 652, title II, § 212, 48 Stat. 1074; Aug. 2, 1956, ch. 874, § 1, 70 Stat. 931; Pub. L. 103–414, title III, § 304(a)(2), Oct. 25, 1994, 108 Stat. 4296.)
heading: Editorial Notes
heading: References in Text
text: This chapter, referred to in text, was in the original “this Act”, meaning act June 19, 1934, ch. 652, 48 Stat. 1064, known as the Communications Act of 1934, which is classified principally to this chapter. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see section 609 of this title and Tables.
heading: Amendments
text: 1994—Pub. L. 103–414 substituted “It shall” for “After sixty days from June 19, 1934, it shall”.
1956—Act Aug. 2, 1956, inserted proviso that Commission may authorize persons to hold position of officer or director in more than one carrier, where carrier owns more than 50 percent of the stock of the other carriers, or that 50 percent or more of the stock of all such carriers is owned by the same person, struck out “such” before “carrier” in sentence after proviso, inserted “subject to this chapter” after that word, and substituted “carriers” for “carrier” toward end of said sentence.
47 U.S.C. § 216 (TELECOMMUNICATIONS)
§ 216. Receivers and trustees; application of chapter
The provisions of this chapter shall apply to all receivers and operating trustees of carriers subject to this chapter to the same extent that it applies to carriers.
(June 19, 1934, ch. 652, title II, § 216, 48 Stat. 1077.)
heading: Editorial Notes
heading: References in Text
text: This chapter, referred to in text, was in the original “this Act”, meaning act June 19, 1934, ch. 652, 48 Stat. 1064, known as the Communications Act of 1934, which is classified principally to this chapter. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see section 609 of this title and Tables.
47 U.S.C. § 217 (TELECOMMUNICATIONS)
§ 217. Agents’ acts and omissions; liability of carrier
In construing and enforcing the provisions of this chapter, the act, omission, or failure of any officer, agent, or other person acting for or employed by any common carrier or user, acting within the scope of his employment, shall in every case be also deemed to be the act, omission, or failure of such carrier or user as well as that of the person.
(June 19, 1934, ch. 652, title II, § 217, 48 Stat. 1077.)
heading: Editorial Notes
heading: References in Text
text: This chapter, referred to in text, was in the original “this Act”, meaning act June 19, 1934, ch. 652, 48 Stat. 1064, known as the Communications Act of 1934, which is classified principally to this chapter. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see section 609 of this title and Tables.
47 U.S.C. § 218 (TELECOMMUNICATIONS)
§ 218. Management of business; inquiries by Commission
The Commission may inquire into the management of the business of all carriers subject to this chapter, and shall keep itself informed as to the manner and method in which the same is conducted and as to technical developments and improvements in wire and radio communication and radio transmission of energy to the end that the benefits of new inventions and developments may be made available to the people of the United States. The Commission may obtain from such carriers and from persons directly or indirectly controlling or controlled by, or under direct or indirect common control with, such carriers full and complete information necessary to enable the Commission to perform the duties and carry out the objects for which it was created.
(June 19, 1934, ch. 652, title II, § 218, 48 Stat. 1077.)
heading: Editorial Notes
heading: References in Text
text: This chapter, referred to in text, was in the original “this Act”, meaning act June 19, 1934, ch. 652, 48 Stat. 1064, known as the Communications Act of 1934, which is classified principally to this chapter. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see section 609 of this title and Tables.
47 U.S.C. § 227a (TELECOMMUNICATIONS)
§ 227a. Consumer education materials on how to avoid scams that rely upon misleading or inaccurate caller identification information
(1) Development of materials
Not later than 1 year after March 23, 2018, the Commission, in coordination with the Federal Trade Commission, shall develop consumer education materials that provide information about—
(A) ways for consumers to identify scams and other fraudulent activity that rely upon the use of misleading or inaccurate caller identification information; and
(B) existing technologies, if any, that a consumer can use to protect against such scams and other fraudulent activity.
(2) Contents
In developing the consumer education materials under paragraph (1), the Commission shall—
(A) identify existing technologies, if any, that can help consumers guard themselves against scams and other fraudulent activity that rely upon the use of misleading or inaccurate caller identification information, including—
(i) descriptions of how a consumer can use the technologies to protect against such scams and other fraudulent activity; and
(ii) details on how consumers can access and use the technologies; and
(B) provide other information that may help consumers identify and avoid scams and other fraudulent activity that rely upon the use of misleading or inaccurate caller identification information.
(3) Updates
The Commission shall ensure that the consumer education materials required under paragraph (1) are updated on a regular basis.
(4) Website
The Commission shall include the consumer education materials developed under paragraph (1) on its website.
(Pub. L. 115–141, div. P, title V, § 503(b), Mar. 23, 2018, 132 Stat. 1092.)
heading: Editorial Notes
heading: Codification
text: Section was enacted as part of the Repack Airwaves Yielding Better Access for Users of Modern Services Act of 2018, also known as the RAY BAUM’S Act of 2018, and as part of the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2018, and not as part of the Communications Act of 1934 which comprises this chapter.
heading: Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries
heading: Definitions
text: For definition of “Commission” as used in this section, see section 2 of div. P of Pub. L. 115–141, set out as a note under section 155a of this title.
47 U.S.C. § 227b–1 (TELECOMMUNICATIONS)
§ 227b–1. Access to number resources
(a) In general
(1) Examination of FCC policies
Not later than 180 days after December 30, 2019, the Commission shall commence a proceeding to determine how Commission policies regarding access to number resources, including number resources for toll-free and non-toll-free telephone numbers, could be modified, including by establishing registration and compliance obligations, and requirements that providers of voice service given access to number resources take sufficient steps to know the identity of the customers of such providers, to help reduce access to numbers by potential perpetrators of violations of section 227(b) of the Communications Act of 1934 (47 U.S.C. 227(b)).
(2) Regulations
If the Commission determines under paragraph (1) that modifying the policies described in that paragraph could help achieve the goal described in that paragraph, the Commission shall prescribe regulations to implement those policy modifications.
(b) Authority
Any person who knowingly, through an employee, agent, officer, or otherwise, directly or indirectly, by or through any means or device whatsoever, is a party to obtaining number resources, including number resources for toll-free and non-toll-free telephone numbers, from a common carrier regulated under title II of the Communications Act of 1934 (47 U.S.C. 201 et seq.), in violation of a regulation prescribed under subsection (a), shall, notwithstanding section 503(b)(5) of the Communications Act of 1934 (47 U.S.C. 503(b)(5)), be subject to a forfeiture penalty under section 503(b) of that Act (47 U.S.C. 503(b)). A forfeiture penalty under this subsection shall be in addition to any other penalty provided for by law.
(Pub. L. 116–105, § 6, Dec. 30, 2019, 133 Stat. 3282.)
heading: Editorial Notes
heading: References in Text
text: The Communications Act of 1934, referred to in subsec. (b), is act June 19, 1934, ch. 652, 48 Stat. 1064. Title II of the Act is classified generally to this subchapter. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see section 609 of this title and Tables.
heading: Codification
text: Section was enacted as part of the Pallone-Thune Telephone Robocall Abuse Criminal Enforcement and Deterrence Act, also known as the Pallone-Thune TRACED Act, and not as part of the Communications Act of 1934 which comprises this chapter.
heading: Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries
heading: Definition
text: For definition of “Commission” as used in this section, see section 2 of Pub. L. 116–105, set out as a note under section 227 of this title.
47 U.S.C. § 227b–2 (TELECOMMUNICATIONS)
§ 227b–2. Provision of evidence of certain robocall violations to Attorney General
(a) In general
If the Chief of the Enforcement Bureau of the Commission obtains evidence that suggests a willful, knowing, and repeated robocall violation with an intent to defraud, cause harm, or wrongfully obtain anything of value, the Chief of the Enforcement Bureau shall provide such evidence to the Attorney General.
(b) Report to Congress
Not later than 1 year after December 30, 2019, and annually thereafter, the Commission shall publish on its website and submit to the Committee on Energy and Commerce of the House of Representatives and the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate a report that—
(1) states the number of instances during the preceding year in which the Chief of the Enforcement Bureau provided the evidence described in subsection (a) to the Attorney General; and
(2) contains a general summary of the types of robocall violations to which such evidence relates.
(c) Rules of construction
Nothing in this section shall be construed to affect the ability of the Commission or the Chief of the Enforcement Bureau under other law—
(1) to refer a matter to the Attorney General; or
(2) to pursue or continue pursuit of an enforcement action in a matter with respect to which the Chief of the Enforcement Bureau provided the evidence described in subsection (a) to the Attorney General.
(d) Robocall violation defined
In this section, the term “robocall violation” means a violation of subsection (b) or (e) of section 227 of this title.
(Pub. L. 116–105, § 11, Dec. 30, 2019, 133 Stat. 3285.)
heading: Editorial Notes
heading: Codification
text: Section was enacted as part of the Pallone-Thune Telephone Robocall Abuse Criminal Enforcement and Deterrence Act, also known as the Pallone-Thune TRACED Act, and not as part of the Communications Act of 1934 which comprises this chapter.
heading: Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries
heading: Definition
text: For definition of “Commission” as used in this section, see section 2 of Pub. L. 116–105, set out as a note under section 227 of this title.
47 U.S.C. § 255 (TELECOMMUNICATIONS)
§ 255. Access by persons with disabilities
(a) Definitions
As used in this section—
(1) Disability
The term “disability” has the meaning given to it by section 12102(2)(A) 1 of title 42.
(2) Readily achievable
The term “readily achievable” has the meaning given to it by section 12181(9) of title 42.
(b) Manufacturing
A manufacturer of telecommunications equipment or customer premises equipment shall ensure that the equipment is designed, developed, and fabricated to be accessible to and usable by individuals with disabilities, if readily achievable.
(c) Telecommunications services
A provider of telecommunications service shall ensure that the service is accessible to and usable by individuals with disabilities, if readily achievable.
(d) Compatibility
Whenever the requirements of subsections (b) and (c) are not readily achievable, such a manufacturer or provider shall ensure that the equipment or service is compatible with existing peripheral devices or specialized customer premises equipment commonly used by individuals with disabilities to achieve access, if readily achievable.
(e) Guidelines
Within 18 months after February 8, 1996, the Architectural and Transportation Barriers Compliance Board shall develop guidelines for accessibility of telecommunications equipment and customer premises equipment in conjunction with the Commission. The Board shall review and update the guidelines periodically.
(f) No additional private rights authorized
Nothing in this section shall be construed to authorize any private right of action to enforce any requirement of this section or any regulation thereunder. The Commission shall have exclusive jurisdiction with respect to any complaint under this section.
(June 19, 1934, ch. 652, title II, § 255, as added Pub. L. 104–104, title I, § 101(a), Feb. 8, 1996, 110 Stat. 75.)
heading: Editorial Notes
heading: References in Text
text: Section 12102 of title 42, referred to in subsec. (a)(1), was amended generally by Pub. L. 110–325, § 4(a), Sept. 25, 2008, 122 Stat. 3555, and, as so amended, provisions formerly appearing in par. (2)(A) are now contained in par. (1)(A).
47 U.S.C. § 257 (TELECOMMUNICATIONS)
§ 257. Market entry barriers proceeding
(a) Elimination of barriers
Within 15 months after February 8, 1996, the Commission shall complete a proceeding for the purpose of identifying and eliminating, by regulations pursuant to its authority under this chapter (other than this section), market entry barriers for entrepreneurs and other small businesses in the provision and ownership of telecommunications services and information services, or in the provision of parts or services to providers of telecommunications services and information services.
(b) National policy
In carrying out subsection (a), the Commission shall seek to promote the policies and purposes of this chapter favoring diversity of media voices, vigorous economic competition, technological advancement, and promotion of the public interest, convenience, and necessity.
(June 19, 1934, ch. 652, title II, § 257, as added Pub. L. 104–104, title I, § 101(a), Feb. 8, 1996, 110 Stat. 77; amended Pub. L. 115–141, div. P, title IV, § 402(f), Mar. 23, 2018, 132 Stat. 1089.)
heading: Editorial Notes
heading: References in Text
text: This chapter, referred to in text, was in the original “this Act”, meaning act June 19, 1934, ch. 652, 48 Stat. 1064, known as the Communications Act of 1934, which is classified principally to this chapter. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see section 609 of this title and Tables.
heading: Amendments
text: 2018—Subsec. (c). Pub. L. 115–141 struck out subsec. (c). Text read as follows: “Every 3 years following the completion of the proceeding required by subsection (a), the Commission shall review and report to Congress on—
“(1) any regulations prescribed to eliminate barriers within its jurisdiction that are identified under subsection (a) and that can be prescribed consistent with the public interest, convenience, and necessity; and
“(2) the statutory barriers identified under subsection (a) that the Commission recommends be eliminated, consistent with the public interest, convenience, and necessity.”
47 U.S.C. § 301 (TELECOMMUNICATIONS)
§ 301. License for radio communication or transmission of energy
It is the purpose of this chapter, among other things, to maintain the control of the United States over all the channels of radio transmission; and to provide for the use of such channels, but not the ownership thereof, by persons for limited periods of time, under licenses granted by Federal authority, and no such license shall be construed to create any right, beyond the terms, conditions, and periods of the license. No person shall use or operate any apparatus for the transmission of energy or communications or signals by radio (a) from one place in any State, Territory, or possession of the United States or in the District of Columbia to another place in the same State, Territory, possession, or District; or (b) from any State, Territory, or possession of the United States, or from the District of Columbia to any other State, Territory, or possession of the United States; or (c) from any place in any State, Territory, or possession of the United States, or in the District of Columbia, to any place in any foreign country or to any vessel; or (d) within any State when the effects of such use extend beyond the borders of said State, or when interference is caused by such use or operation with the transmission of such energy, communications, or signals from within said State to any place beyond its borders, or from any place beyond its borders to any place within said State, or with the transmission or reception of such energy, communications, or signals from and/or to places beyond the borders of said State; or (e) upon any vessel or aircraft of the United States (except as provided in section 303(t) of this title); or (f) upon any other mobile stations within the jurisdiction of the United States, except under and in accordance with this chapter and with a license in that behalf granted under the provisions of this chapter.
(June 19, 1934, ch. 652, title III, § 301, 48 Stat. 1081; Pub. L. 97–259, title I, §§ 107, 111(b), Sept. 13, 1982, 96 Stat. 1091, 1093.)
heading: Editorial Notes
heading: References in Text
text: This chapter, referred to in text, was in the original “this Act”, meaning act June 19, 1934, ch. 652, 48 Stat. 1064, known as the Communications Act of 1934, which is classified principally to this chapter. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see section 609 of this title and Tables.
heading: Amendments
text: 1982—Pub. L. 97–259 struck out “interstate and foreign” after “channels of” in first sentence, substituted “State, Territory,” for “Territory” after “from one place in any” and inserted “State,” after “to another place in the same” in cl. (a), and inserted “(except as provided in section 303(t) of this title)” in cl. (e).
47 U.S.C. § 303a (TELECOMMUNICATIONS)
§ 303a. Standards for children’s television programming
(a) Establishment
The Commission shall, within 30 days after October 18, 1990, initiate a rulemaking proceeding to prescribe standards applicable to commercial television broadcast licensees with respect to the time devoted to commercial matter in conjunction with children’s television programming. The Commission shall, within 180 days after October 18, 1990, complete the rulemaking proceeding and prescribe final standards that meet the requirements of subsection (b).
(b) Advertising duration limitations
Except as provided in subsection (c), the standards prescribed under subsection (a) shall include the requirement that each commercial television broadcast licensee shall limit the duration of advertising in children’s television programming to not more than 10.5 minutes per hour on weekends and not more than 12 minutes per hour on weekdays.
(c) Review of advertising duration limitations; modification
After January 1, 1993, the Commission—
(1) may review and evaluate the advertising duration limitations required by subsection (b); and
(2) may, after notice and public comment and a demonstration of the need for modification of such limitations, modify such limitations in accordance with the public interest.
(d) “Commercial television broadcast licensee” defined
As used in this section, the term “commercial television broadcast licensee” includes a cable operator, as defined in section 522 of this title.
(Pub. L. 101–437, title I, § 102, Oct. 17, 1990, 104 Stat. 996.)
heading: Editorial Notes
heading: Codification
text: Section was enacted as part of the Children’s Television Act of 1990, and not as part of the Communications Act of 1934 which comprises this chapter.
heading: Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries
heading: Congressional Findings
text: Pub. L. 101–437, title I, § 101, Oct. 17, 1990, 104 Stat. 996, provided that:
“The Congress finds that—
“(1) it has been clearly demonstrated that television can assist children to learn important information, skills, values, and behavior, while entertaining them and exciting their curiosity to learn about the world around them;
“(2) as part of their obligation to serve the public interest, television station operators and licensees should provide programming that serves the special needs of children;
“(3) the financial support of advertisers assists in the provision of programming to children;
“(4) special safeguards are appropriate to protect children from overcommercialization on television;
“(5) television station operators and licensees should follow practices in connection with children’s television programming and advertising that take into consideration the characteristics of this child audience; and
“(6) it is therefore necessary that the Federal Communications Commission (hereinafter referred to as the ‘Commission’) take the actions required by this title [enacting sections 303a and 303b of this title].”