Sec. 0.131  Functions of the Bureau.

    The Wireless Telecommunications Bureau develops, recommends and 
administers the programs and policies for the regulation of the terms 
and conditions under which communications entities offer domestic 
wireless telecommunications services and of ancillary operations related 
to the provision of such services (satellite communications excluded). 
These functions include all wireless telecommunications service 
providers' and licensees' activities. The Bureau also performs the 
following specific functions:
    (a) Advises and makes recommendations to the Commission, or acts for 
the Commission under delegated authority, in all matters pertaining to 
the licensing and regulation of wireless telecommunications, including 
ancillary operations related to the provision or use of such services; 
and any matters concerning wireless carriers that also affect wireline 
carriers in cooperation with the Common Carrier Bureau. These activities 
include: policy development and coordination; conducting rulemaking and 
adjudicatory proceedings, including licensing and complaint proceedings; 
acting on waivers of rules; acting on applications for service and 
facility authorizations; compliance and enforcement activities; 
determining resource impacts of existing, planned or recommended 
Commission activities concerning wireless telecommunications, and 
developing and recommending resource deployment priorities.
    (b) Develops and recommends policy goals, objectives, programs and 
plans for the Commission on matters concerning wireless 
telecommunications, drawing upon relevant economic, technological, 
legislative, regulatory and judicial information and developments. Such 
matters include meeting the present and future wireless 
telecommunications needs of the Nation; fostering economic growth by 
promoting efficiency and innovation in the allocation, licensing and use 
of the electromagnetic spectrum; ensuring choice, opportunity and 
fairness in the development of wireless telecommunications services and 
markets; promoting economically efficient investment in wireless 
telecommunications infrastructure and the integration of wireless 
communications networks into the public telecommunications network; 
enabling access to national communications services; promoting the 
development and widespread availability of wireless telecommunications 
services. Reviews and coordinates orders, programs and actions initiated 
by other Bureaus and Offices in matters affecting wireless 
telecommunications to ensure consistency of overall Commission policy.
    (c) Serves as the Commission's principal policy and administrative 
staff resource with regard to spectrum auctions. Administers all 
Commission spectrum auctions. Develops, recommends and administers 
policies, programs and rules concerning auctions of spectrum for 
wireless telecommunications. Advises the Commission on policy, 
engineering and technical matters relating to auctions of spectrum used 
for other purposes. Administers procurement of auction-related services 
from outside contractors. Provides policy, administrative and technical 
assistance to other Bureaus and Offices on auction issues.
    (d) Regulates the charges, practices, classifications, terms and 
conditions for, and facilities used to provide, wireless 
telecommunications services. Develops and recommends consistent, 
integrated policies, programs and rules for the regulation of commercial 
mobile radio services and private mobile radio services.
    (e) Develops and recommends policy, rules, standards, procedures and 
forms for the authorization and regulation of wireless 
telecommunications facilities and services, including all facility 
authorization applications involving domestic terrestrial transmission 
facilities. Coordinates with and assists the International Bureau 
regarding frequency assignment, coordination and interference matters.

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    (f) Develops and recommends responses to legislative, regulatory or 
judicial inquiries and proposals concerning or affecting wireless 
telecommunications.
    (g) Develops and recommends policies regarding matters affecting the 
collaboration and coordination of relations among Federal agencies, and 
between the Federal government and the states, concerning wireless 
telecommunications issues. Maintains liaison with Federal and state 
government bodies concerning such issues.
    (h) Develops and recommends policies, programs and rules to ensure 
interference-free operation of wireless telecommunications equipment and 
networks. Coordinates with and assists other Bureaus and Offices, as 
appropriate, concerning spectrum management, planning, and interference 
matters and issues, and in all compliance and enforcement activities. 
Studies technical requirements for equipment for wireless 
telecommunications services in accordance with standards established by 
the Chief, Office of Engineering and Technology.
    (i) Advises and assists consumers, businesses and other government 
agencies on wireless telecommunications issues and matters relating 
thereto.
    (j) Administers the Commission's commercial radio operator program 
(part 13 of this chapter) and the Commission's program for registration, 
construction, marking and lighting of antenna structures (part 17 of 
this chapter).
    (k) Coordinates with and assists the International Bureau with 
respect to treaty activities and international conferences concerning 
wireless telecommunications.
    (l) Exercises such authority as may be assigned, delegated or 
referred to it by the Commission.
    (m) Certifies frequency coordinators; considers petitions seeking 
review of coordinator actions; and engages in oversight of coordinator 
actions and practices.
    (n) Administers the Commission's commercial radio operator (part 13 
of this chapter) and amateur radio programs (part 97 of this chapter) 
and the program for construction, marking and lighting of antenna 
structures (part 17 of this chapter).
    (o) Exercises authority to issue non-hearing related subpoenas for 
the attendance and testimony of witnesses and the production of books, 
papers, correspondence, memoranda, schedules of charges, contracts, 
agreements, and any other records deemed relevant to the investigation 
of wireless telecommunications operators for any alleged violation or 
violations of the Communications Act of 1934, as amended, or the 
Commission's rules and orders. Before issuing a subpoena, the Wireless 
Telecommunications Bureau shall obtain the approval of the Office of 
General Counsel.
    (p) Certifies, in the name of the Commission, volunteer entities to 
coordinate maintain and disseminate a common data base of amateur 
station special event call signs, and issues Public Notices detailing 
the procedures of amateur service call sign systems.
[ 60 FR 35505 , July 10, 1995, as amended at  61 FR 4361 , Feb. 6, 1996;  62 FR 17567 , Apr. 10, 1997]

                   Office of Administrative Law Judges