Communications Act Revisions: Selected Issues for Consideration

Publication Date: January 2006

Publisher: Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

Author(s):

Research Area: Media, telecommunications, and information

Type:

Abstract:

The passage of the 1996 Telecommunications Act (P.L.104-104) resulted in a major revision of the Communications Act of 1934 (47U.S.C. 151 et seq.) to address the emergence of competition in what were previously considered to be monopolistic markets. Although less than a decade has passed, a consensus has grown that existing laws that govern the telecommunications and broadcasting sectors have become inadequate to meet the Nation's changing telecommunications environment. Technological changes such as the advancement of Internet technology to supply data, voice, and video, the transition to digital television, as well as the growing convergence in the telecommunications sector have, according to many policymakers, made it necessary to consider another "rewrite" or revision, of the laws governing these markets.

What role the 109th Congress may play in such a revision remains unclear. While there seems to be a growing consensus for reform, there are some, including those representing the cable television industry, who question the need for a significant revision. Regardless of the final outcome, Congress has taken and is expected to continue to pursue an active role in examining and debating the issues related to a possible revision of existing telecommunications law.

This report provides an overview of selected topics which the 109th Congress may address in its examination of telecommunications issues. While far from a definitive list, the issues selected are wide-ranging and touch upon topics central to the telecommunications reform debate. The issues included in this report cover: broadband Internet regulation and access; broadcast indecency; digital television transition; Federal Communications Commission structure and reform; intercarrier compensation; media ownership rules; municipal deployment of broadband; public safety communications, the "savings clause" and monopoly issues; spectrum auctions; and universal service fund reform. This report addresses major issues, rather than addressing specific legislative activity. The underlying references to CRS products, included at the end of each issue, should be used to expand upon the issue, update relevant events and, where appropriate, track Congressional activity. This report will be updated occasionally.