NEWS Federal Communications Commission 445 12th Street, S.W. Washington, D. C. 20554 This is an unofficial announcement of Commission action. Release of the full text of a Commission order constitutes official action. See MCI v. FCC. 515 F 2d 385 (D.C. Circ 1974). News Media Information 202 / 418-0500 Internet: http://www.fcc.gov TTY: 1-888-835-5322 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: NEWS MEDIA CONTACT: February 10, 2011 Robert Kenny: 202-418-0506 Email: Robert.Kenny@fcc.gov FCC ANNOUNCES TENTATIVE AGENDA FOR MARCH 3RD OPEN MEETING Washington, D.C. -- Today, Federal Communications Commission Chairman Julius Genachowski announced that the following items will be on the tentative agenda for the next open meeting scheduled for Thursday, March 3, 2011. The meeting will be in two parts, the first dedicated to communications issues affecting Native Nations, and the second to other Commission business: · Native Nations Spectrum NPRM: A Notice of Proposed Rulemaking to explore a range of recommendations to help close the wireless gap on Tribal Lands. · Tribal and Rural Radio Orders and FNPRM: Orders revising rules or establishing waiver standards that will make it easier for Native Nations to provide radio service to areas that are the functional equivalent of Tribal Lands and to Tribal Lands that are small or irregularly shaped. A further notice invites additional comment on adopting a Tribal Bidding Credit and alternative ways to foster radio service by Native Nations on their lands. Also, an order adjusting policies for determining whether proposed new radio stations or station moves constitute an equitable distribution of radio service under Section 307(b) of the Communications Act. · Omnibus NOI on Improving Communications Services for Native Nations: A Notice of Inquiry that explores ways to overcome the barriers to deployment of communications services to Native Nations communities, and to improve consultation and coordination with Native Nations. · NPRM to Streamline and Clarify the Commission’s Rules Governing Retransmission Consent: A Notice of Proposed Rulemaking that seeks comment on changes to rules governing or affecting retransmission consent negotiations between broadcasters and multichannel video programming distributors. · Lifeline/Link Up Reform and Modernization NPRM: A Notice of Proposed Rulemaking proposing to reform the Universal Service Fund’s Lifeline and Link Up programs to eliminate waste, fraud, and abuse; improve program administration, accountability, and fiscal responsibility; and modernize the program in light of market and technology changes, including to support pilot programs for broadband adoption. · Advanced Communications Services NPRM: A Notice of Proposed Rulemaking that seeks comment on rules implementing provisions of the Twenty-First Century Communications and Video Accessibility Act of 2010 (CVAA). The NPRM proposes rules requiring providers of advanced communications services and manufacturers of equipment used for those services to make their products accessible to people with disabilities. · Video Description NPRM: Also implementing the CVAA, this Notice of Proposed Rulemaking proposes to reinstate the video description rules adopted by the Commission in 2000, as directed by Congress. Topics selected for FCC open meeting agendas are posted on the Commission’s website approximately three weeks prior to the Commission’s next monthly meeting. The FCC will also issue a public notice of the “Commission Meeting Agenda” one week before the meeting and announce at that time the items that are scheduled for the agenda. Commission meetings are open to the public, who can attend in person at the FCC headquarters (445 12th Street SW, Washington, D.C.), or watch the live stream at www.fcc.gov/live. --FCC-- For more news and Information about the FCC go to: www.fcc.gov