Managing Information and Human Capital

• FCC requires data to fulfill its responsibilities, yet GAO has continually found weaknesses in FCC’s data gathering and management processes. In making regulatory policy, FCC requires information on a wide variety of issues, such as the degree of competition and ownership of broadcast licenses. In its enforcement action, FCC requires well-organized and accurate information on violations of its regulations. Due to its data weaknesses, FCC makes important decisions with limited information or with information supplied by industry participants.

  Highlights of GAO-08-125 (PDF)

• Some policymakers have raised concerns with FCC’s regulatory process. We have previously reported that FCC’s regulatory process does not provide equal access to information in all instances, thereby providing advantages to some stakeholders. We have also found weaknesses in FCC's public comment and ex parte processes which can limit stakeholders' ability to determine what information was provided to commissioners and to rebut or discuss that information.

  Highlights of GAO-07-1046 (PDF), GAO-10-79 (PDF)

• While the communications industry is undergoing convergence and a technological revolution, FCC’s organization remains “stovepiped” along traditional industry lines. Further, we have previously reported that FCC faces challenges in recruiting suitable staff.  Limitations in its human capital can hinder FCC’s ability to effectively monitor and oversee the communications industry, especially in light of the rapid changes occurring in the industry.

^ Back to topWhat Needs to Be Done

• GAO recommended that FCC establish performance goals and measures, particularly for its enforcement responsibilities, which will better help the commission enforce telecommunications laws and regulations and improve its ability to assess how well it is meeting its goals.

  Highlights of GAO-08-125 (PDF), Highlights of GAO-06-425 (PDF)

• GAO recommended that FCC improve data collection efforts for its enforcement and dedicated access responsibilities. Improved data collection will help the commission enforce telecommunications laws and regulations, as well as assess how well it is meeting its policy goals.

  Highlights of GAO-08-125 (PDF), Highlights of GAO-07-80 (PDF)

• GAO recommended that FCC take steps to ensure equal access to information pertaining to its rule-making process, which will help ensure a fair and transparent process.

  Highlights of GAO-07-1046 (PDF)

• Finally, GAO recommended that FCC revise its public comment process and its ex parte policies to ensure that commission decisions are fully informed and are not being influenced by information that was not subject to public comment or rebuttal and that may have been submitted just before a commission vote.

  Highlights of GAO-10-79 (PDF)

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Telecommunications

Telecommunications

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