Online Laboratory Activity 3-1

Exploring the Regulatory Agencies

Objective: Become familiar with the FCC and NTIA.

Procedure:
1. Go to the FCC website at www.fcc.gov.
2. Explore the website.
3. Go to the NTIA website at www.ntia.doc.gov.
4. Explore the website.
5. Use these websites and their search feature to answer the questions below.
Questions:
1. To whom does the FCC report within the government?
-The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) is an independent U.S.
government agency that reports directly to Congress.
2. To whom does the NTIA report within the government?
-NTIA is comprised of the following offices that report to the Office of the
Assistant Secretary: Office of International Affairs (OIA), Office of Policy Analysis and
Development (OPAD), Office of Public Safety Communications (OPSC), Office of
Spectrum Management (OSM), Office of Internet Connectivity and Growth (OICG),
Institute for Telecommunication Sciences (ITS).
3. What is the purpose and function of the FCC?
-The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) is the United States'
primary authority for communications law, regulation, and technological innovation. It
regulates interstate and international communications by radio, television, wire,
satellite, and cable in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, and U.S. territories.
4. What is the purpose and function of the NTIA?
-The National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) is
the Executive Branch agency that is principally responsible by law for advising the
President on telecommunications and information policy issues. NTIA’s programs
and policymaking focus largely on expanding broadband Internet access and
adoption in America, expanding the use of spectrum by all users, and ensuring that
the Internet remains an engine for continued innovation and economic growth.
5. What is the FCC Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) Title 47?
-The Code of Federal Regulations Title 47 contains the codified U.S. Federal
laws and regulations that are in effect as of the date of the publication pertaining to
telecommunications and broadcasting in the United States.
6. On the NTIA website, locate the large colorful frequency spectrum chart. Examine it
to see what services are identified and where they are located. Is the chart available
as a wall chart for purchase?
-Yes, the chart is available from the U. S. Government Publishing Office at a
cost of $6.00 per copy.

3-2 Examining FCC Rules and Regulations

Objective: Investigate FCC CFR Title 47 and find answers to electronic communication rules
and regulations.
Procedure:
1. Go to the FCC website www.fcc.gov.
2. Click on the rules and regulations link on the left.
3. Access FCC CFR Title 47.
4. Study the different parts.
5. Use this reference to answer the questions below.

Questions:
1. What is contained in Subpart A of Part 2 that may be useful?
-Subpart A of Part 2 is all about terminology. It contains the terms and
definitions that appears in the Commission rules. It is useful because these are the
terms that are aligned to Communications that may be used in the commission.
2. In Part 2, what communications services can occupy the spectrum from 108 to 138
MHz?
-The frequency band 108 – 137 MHz is allocated by the International
Telecommunication Union (ITU) to the Aeronautical Mobile (Route) Service
(AM(R)S)and used for air-ground voice and air-ground as well as air-air data link
communications.
3. What part pertains to commercial operators’ licenses?
-The commercial operators’ licenses can be found in Part 13 of Title 47.
4. Describe briefly what is in Part 15.
-Part 15 is all about Radio Frequency Devices. This part defines and
regulates radio frequency emissions. Intentional emissions, such as the radiation
from phones and radios that use RF to communicate, fall into this category.
Unintentional and incidental radiation, on the other hand, is an unavoidable result of
operations. Anything that emits these kinds of emissions is classified as a Part 15
device and is subject to FCC rules.
5. Describe briefly what is in Part 18.
-FCC Part 18 is the section of Title 47 of the Code of Federal Regulations that
provides the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) with authority to regulate
industrial, scientific, and medical equipment (ISM) that emits electromagnetic energy
on frequencies within the radio frequency spectrum in order to prevent harmful
interference to authorized radio communication services. This part sets forth the
conditions under which the equipment in question may be operated.
6. Which part covers TV broadcasting?
-The TV broadcasting can be found in Part 73 of Title 47.
7. What part covers radar?
-Part 15 covers radar.
8. What parts cover Citizens’ Band radio and the Family Radio Service? State the
frequency bands of each?
-47 C.F.R., Part 95 covers Citizens’ Band radio and the Family Radio Service.
The Citizens’ Band radio authorized 40 channels between 26.965 MHz and 27.405
MHz The FRS is allotted 22 channels, each having a channel bandwidth of 12.5 kHz.
9. Is cable TV regulated by the FCC? Which part if so?
-Most rates charged by cable television companies are not regulated by the
FCC.
10. List all of the modes and modulation methods allowed by amateur radio operations.
● Amplitude modulation (AM)
 ● Double-sideband suppressed carrier (DSB-SC)
● Independent sideband (ISB)
● Single sideband (SSB)
● Compatible sideband transmission also called amplitude modulation
equivalent (AME)
● Frequency modulation (FM)
● Phase modulation (PM)
11. Which part covers RF interference and electromagnetic compatibility?
- 47 C.F.R., Part 15 is the section that covers RF interference and
electromagnetic compatibility.
12. Which parts cover cell phones and wireless local area networks?
- 47 C.F.R., Part 20