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Federal Communications Commission
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Federal Communications Commission U.S. Pres. Donald Trump with Federal Communications Commission Chair Ajit Pai
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Federal Communications Commission
Federal Communications Commission Federal Communications Commission Chairman Tom Wheeler (L) and Commissioner Jessica Rosenworcel (C) listen to Commissioner Michael O'Rielly (R) deliver his statement before voting on Net Neutrality at the FCC headquarters February 26, 2015 in Washington, D.C.

Federal Communications Commission

United States government agency
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Also known as: FCC
Written and fact-checked by
The Editors of Encyclopaedia Britannica
Encyclopaedia Britannica's editors oversee subject areas in which they have extensive knowledge, whether from years of experience gained by working on that content or via study for an advanced degree. They write new content and verify and edit content received from contributors.
The Editors of Encyclopaedia Britannica
Last Updated: • Article History
Quick Facts
Date:
1934 - present
Areas Of Involvement:
telecommunication
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News •

FCC approves Verizon’s $20 billion Frontier acquisition after DEI program cuts • May 17, 2025, 6:55 AM ET (USA Today)
FCC commissioner rips a "weaponized" agency punishing news outlets Trump dislikes • May 15, 2025, 5:37 AM ET (CNN)
Exclusive | FCC Threatens Charlie Ergen’s Hold on Satellite, 5G Spectrum Licenses • May 13, 2025, 2:29 AM ET (Wall Street Journal)
On the attack: Trump's media response in Abrego Garcia story is notably vigorous • May 6, 2025, 10:48 AM ET (AP)
Trump's first 100 days: Steamrolling government, strong-arming allies and igniting trade wars • Apr. 27, 2025, 4:03 PM ET (AP)

Federal Communications Commission (FCC), independent agency of the U.S. federal government. Established in 1934, it regulates interstate and foreign communications by radio, television, wire, satellite, and cable.

Its standards and regulations apply only to the technical aspects, including frequency and equipment, of communication systems, not broadcast content (apart from certain rules covering obscenity and slander).

The Editors of Encyclopaedia Britannica This article was most recently revised and updated by Maren Goldberg.