Glossary

FCC

Short for Federal Communications Commission. It is an independent United States government agency, directly responsible to Congress that regulates interstate and foreign communications, including radio, television, wire, satellite and cable. The FCC was established under the U.S. Communications Act of 1934. It is directed by five Commissioners, appointed by the President and confirmed by the Senate for five-year period. One of them is designated as a chairman. The FCC consists of six operating Bureaus and ten Staff Offices. The Wireless Telecommunications Bureau regulates cellular and PCS phones, pagers and two-way radios as well as the use of radio spectrum. Office of Engineering and Technology, on the other hand, is in charge of testing and approving mobile phones intended for use in the United States. The FCC's jurisdiction covers the 50 states, the District of Columbia, and U.S. possessions.