r/title-47-TELECOMMUNICATIONS wiki — defined terms
The statute’s own glossary: every term Title 47 defines, in section order.
“advanced communications services” applies throughout its chapter
The term “advanced communications services” means— (A) interconnected VoIP service; (B) non-interconnected VoIP service; (C) electronic messaging service; (D) interoperable video conferencing service; and (E) any audio or video communications service used by inmates for the purpose of communicating with individuals outside the correctional institution where the inmate is held, regardless of technology used. (2) Affiliate
“affiliate” applies throughout its chapter
The term “affiliate” means a person that (directly or indirectly) owns or controls, is owned or controlled by, or is under common ownership or control with, another person. For purposes of this paragraph,
“amateur station” applies in that section
The term “amateur station” means a radio station operated by a duly authorized person interested in radio technique solely with a personal aim and without pecuniary interest. (4) AT&T Consent Decree
“analog television service” applies throughout its chapter
The term “analog television service” means television service provided pursuant to the transmission standards prescribed by the Commission in section 73.682(a) of its regulations (47 C.F.R. 73.682(a)). (B) Digital television service
“AT&T Consent Decree” applies in that section
The term “AT&T Consent Decree” means the order entered August 24, 1982 , in the antitrust action styled United States v. Western Electric, Civil Action No. 82–0192, in the United States District Court for the District of Columbia, and includes any judgment or order with respect to such action entered on or after August 24, 1982 . (5) Bell operating company
“Bell operating company” applies in that section
The term “Bell operating company”— (A) means any of the following companies: Bell Telephone Company of Nevada, Illinois Bell Telephone Company, Indiana Bell Telephone Company, Incorporated, Michigan Bell Telephone Company, New England Telephone and Telegraph Company, New Jersey Bell Telephone Company, New York Telephone Company, U S West Communications Company, South Central Bell Telephone Company, Southern Bell Telephone and Telegraph Company, Southwestern Bell Telephone Company, The Bell Telephone Company of Pennsylvania, The Chesapeake and Potomac Telephone Company, The Chesapeake and Potomac Telephone Company of Maryland, The Chesapeake and Potomac Telephone Company of Virginia, The …
“broadcast station” applies in that section
The term “broadcast station”, “broadcasting station”, or “radio broadcast station” means a radio station equipped to engage in broadcasting as herein defined. (7) Broadcasting
“broadcasting” applies in that section
The term “broadcasting” means the dissemination of radio communications intended to be received by the public, directly or by the intermediary of relay stations. (8) Cable service
“broadcasting station” applies in that section
The term “broadcast station”, “broadcasting station”, or “radio broadcast station” means a radio station equipped to engage in broadcasting as herein defined. (7) Broadcasting
“cable service” applies in that section
The term “cable service” has the meaning given such term in section 522 of this title . (9) Cable system
“cable system” applies in that section
The term “cable system” has the meaning given such term in section 522 of this title . (10) Chain broadcasting
“carrier” applies in that section
The term “common carrier” or “carrier” means any person engaged as a common carrier for hire, in interstate or foreign communication by wire or radio or interstate or foreign radio transmission of energy, except where reference is made to common carriers not subject to this chapter; but a person engaged in radio broadcasting shall not, insofar as such person is so engaged, be deemed a common carrier. (12) Connecting carrier
“chain broadcasting” applies in that section
The term “chain broadcasting” means simultaneous broadcasting of an identical program by two or more connected stations. (11) Common carrier
“common carrier” applies in that section
The term “common carrier” or “carrier” means any person engaged as a common carrier for hire, in interstate or foreign communication by wire or radio or interstate or foreign radio transmission of energy, except where reference is made to common carriers not subject to this chapter; but a person engaged in radio broadcasting shall not, insofar as such person is so engaged, be deemed a common carrier. (12) Connecting carrier
“communication by radio” applies in that section
The term “radio communication” or “communication by radio” means the transmission by radio of writing, signs, signals, pictures, and sounds of all kinds, including all instrumentalities, facilities, apparatus, and services (among other things, the receipt, forwarding, and delivery of communications) incidental to such transmission. (41) Radio officer (A) The term “radio officer” on a ship of the United States means, for the purpose of part II of subchapter III of this chapter, a person holding at least a first or second class radiotelegraph operator’s license as prescribed and issued by the Commission.
“communication by wire” applies throughout its chapter
The term “wire communication” or “communication by wire” means the transmission of writing, signs, signals, pictures, and sounds of all kinds by aid of wire, cable, or other like connection between the points of origin and reception of such transmission, including all instrumentalities, facilities, apparatus, and services (among other things, the receipt, forwarding, and delivery of communications) incidental to such transmission.
“connecting carrier” applies in that section
The term “connecting carrier” means a carrier described in clauses (2), (3), or (4) of section 152(b) of this title . (13) Construction permit
“construction permit” applies in that section
The term “construction permit” or “permit for construction” means that instrument of authorization required by this chapter or the rules and regulations of the Commission made pursuant to this chapter for the construction of a station, or the installation of apparatus, for the transmission of energy, or communications, or signals by radio, by whatever name the instrument may be designated by the Commission. (14) Consumer generated media
“consumer generated media” applies in that section
The term “consumer generated media” means content created and made available by consumers to online websites and services on the Internet, including video, audio, and multimedia content. (15) Corporation
“corporation” applies in that section
The term “corporation” includes any corporation, joint-stock company, or association. (16) Customer premises equipment
“customer premises equipment” applies in that section
The term “customer premises equipment” means equipment employed on the premises of a person (other than a carrier) to originate, route, or terminate telecommunications. (17) Dialing parity
“dialing parity” applies in that section
The term “dialing parity” means that a person that is not an affiliate of a local exchange carrier is able to provide telecommunications services in such a manner that customers have the ability to route automatically, without the use of any access code, their telecommunications to the telecommunications services provider of the customer’s designation from among 2 or more telecommunications services providers (including such local exchange carrier). (18) Disability
“digital television service” applies throughout its chapter
The term “digital television service” means television service provided pursuant to the transmission standards prescribed by the Commission in section 73.682(d) of its regulations (47 C.F.R. 73.682(d)). (57) Transmission of energy by radio
“disability” applies in that section
The term “disability” has the meaning given such term under section 12102 of title 42 . (19) Electronic messaging service
“electronic messaging service” applies in that section
The term “electronic messaging service” means a service that provides real-time or near real-time non-voice messages in text form between individuals over communications networks. (20) Exchange access
“exchange access” applies in that section
The term “exchange access” means the offering of access to telephone exchange services or facilities for the purpose of the origination or termination of telephone toll services. (21) Foreign communication
“foreign communication” applies in that section
The term “foreign communication” or “foreign transmission” means communication or transmission from or to any place in the United States to or from a foreign country, or between a station in the United States and a mobile station located outside the United States. (22) Great Lakes Agreement
“foreign transmission” applies in that section
The term “foreign communication” or “foreign transmission” means communication or transmission from or to any place in the United States to or from a foreign country, or between a station in the United States and a mobile station located outside the United States. (22) Great Lakes Agreement
“Great Lakes Agreement” applies in that section
The term “Great Lakes Agreement” means the Agreement for the Promotion of Safety on the Great Lakes by Means of Radio in force and the regulations referred to therein. (23) Harbor
“harbor” applies in that section
The term “harbor” or “port” means any place to which ships may resort for shelter or to load or unload passengers or goods, or to obtain fuel, water, or supplies. This term shall apply to such places whether proclaimed public or not and whether natural or artificial. (24) Information service
“information service” applies in that section
The term “information service” means the offering of a capability for generating, acquiring, storing, transforming, processing, retrieving, utilizing, or making available information via telecommunications, and includes electronic publishing, but does not include any use of any such capability for the management, control, or operation of a telecommunications system or the management of a telecommunications service. (25) Interconnected VoIP service
“interconnected VoIP service” applies in that section
The term “interconnected VoIP service” has the meaning given such term under section 9.3 of title 47, Code of Federal Regulations, as such section may be amended from time to time. (26) InterLATA service
“interLATA service” applies in that section
The term “interLATA service” means telecommunications between a point located in a local access and transport area and a point located outside such area. (27) Interoperable video conferencing service
“interoperable video conferencing service” applies in that section
The term “interoperable video conferencing service” means a service that provides real-time video communications, including audio, to enable users to share information of the user’s choosing. (28) Interstate communication
“interstate communication” applies in that section
The term “interstate communication” or “interstate transmission” means communication or transmission (A) from any State, Territory, or possession of the United States (other than the Canal Zone), or the District of Columbia, to any other State, Territory, or possession of the United States (other than the Canal Zone), or the District of Columbia, (B) from or to the United States to or from the Canal Zone, insofar as such communication or transmission takes place within the United States, or (C) between points within the United States but through a foreign country; but shall not, with respect to the provisions of subchapter II of this chapter (other than section 223 of this title ), include …
“interstate transmission” applies in that section
The term “interstate communication” or “interstate transmission” means communication or transmission (A) from any State, Territory, or possession of the United States (other than the Canal Zone), or the District of Columbia, to any other State, Territory, or possession of the United States (other than the Canal Zone), or the District of Columbia, (B) from or to the United States to or from the Canal Zone, insofar as such communication or transmission takes place within the United States, or (C) between points within the United States but through a foreign country; but shall not, with respect to the provisions of subchapter II of this chapter (other than section 223 of this title ), include …
“land station” applies in that section
The term “land station” means a station, other than a mobile station, used for radio communication with mobile stations. (30) Licensee
“LATA” applies in that section
The term “local access and transport area” or “LATA” means a contiguous geographic area— (A) established before February 8, 1996 , by a Bell operating company such that no exchange area includes points within more than 1 metropolitan statistical area, consolidated metropolitan statistical area, or State, except as expressly permitted under the AT&T Consent Decree; or (B) established or modified by a Bell operating company after February 8, 1996 , and approved by the Commission. (32) Local exchange carrier
“license” applies throughout its chapter
The term “station license”, “radio station license”, or “license” means that instrument of authorization required by this chapter or the rules and regulations of the Commission made pursuant to this chapter, for the use or operation of apparatus for transmission of energy, or communications, or signals by radio, by whatever name the instrument may be designated by the Commission. (50) Telecommunications
“licensee” applies in that section
The term “licensee” means the holder of a radio station license granted or continued in force under authority of this chapter. (31) Local access and transport area
“local access and transport area” applies in that section
The term “local access and transport area” or “LATA” means a contiguous geographic area— (A) established before February 8, 1996 , by a Bell operating company such that no exchange area includes points within more than 1 metropolitan statistical area, consolidated metropolitan statistical area, or State, except as expressly permitted under the AT&T Consent Decree; or (B) established or modified by a Bell operating company after February 8, 1996 , and approved by the Commission. (32) Local exchange carrier
“local exchange carrier” applies in that section
The term “local exchange carrier” means any person that is engaged in the provision of telephone exchange service or exchange access. Such term does not include a person insofar as such person is engaged in the provision of a commercial mobile service under section 332(c) of this title , except to the extent that the Commission finds that such service should be included in the definition of such term. (33) Mobile service
“mobile service” applies in that section
The term “mobile service” means a radio communication service carried on between mobile stations or receivers and land stations, and by mobile stations communicating among themselves, and includes (A) both one-way and two-way radio communication services, (B) a mobile service which provides a regularly interacting group of base, mobile, portable, and associated control and relay stations (whether licensed on an individual, cooperative, or multiple basis) for private one-way or two-way land mobile radio communications by eligible users over designated areas of operation, and (C) any service for which a license is required in a personal communications service established pursuant to the …
“mobile station” applies in that section
The term “mobile station” means a radio-communication station capable of being moved and which ordinarily does move. (35) Network element
“network element” applies in that section
The term “network element” means a facility or equipment used in the provision of a telecommunications service. Such term also includes features, functions, and capabilities that are provided by means of such facility or equipment, including subscriber numbers, databases, signaling systems, and information sufficient for billing and collection or used in the transmission, routing, or other provision of a telecommunications service. (36) Non-interconnected VoIP service
“non-interconnected VoIP service” applies in that section
The term “non-interconnected VoIP service”— (A) means a service that— (i) enables real-time voice communications that originate from or terminate to the user’s location using Internet protocol or any successor protocol; and (ii) requires Internet protocol compatible customer premises equipment; and (B) does not include any service that is an interconnected VoIP service. (37) Number portability
“number portability” applies in that section
The term “number portability” means the ability of users of telecommunications services to retain, at the same location, existing telecommunications numbers without impairment of quality, reliability, or convenience when switching from one telecommunications carrier to another. (38) Operator (A) The term “operator” on a ship of the United States means, for the purpose of parts II and III of subchapter III of this chapter, a person holding a radio operator’s license of the proper class as prescribed and issued by the Commission.
“own” applies in that section
the term “own” means to own an equity interest (or the equivalent thereof) of more than 10 percent. (3) Amateur station
“permit for construction” applies in that section
The term “construction permit” or “permit for construction” means that instrument of authorization required by this chapter or the rules and regulations of the Commission made pursuant to this chapter for the construction of a station, or the installation of apparatus, for the transmission of energy, or communications, or signals by radio, by whatever name the instrument may be designated by the Commission. (14) Consumer generated media
“person” applies in that section
The term “person” includes an individual, partnership, association, joint-stock company, trust, or corporation. (40) Radio communication
“port” applies in that section
The term “harbor” or “port” means any place to which ships may resort for shelter or to load or unload passengers or goods, or to obtain fuel, water, or supplies. This term shall apply to such places whether proclaimed public or not and whether natural or artificial. (24) Information service
“radio broadcast station” applies in that section
The term “broadcast station”, “broadcasting station”, or “radio broadcast station” means a radio station equipped to engage in broadcasting as herein defined. (7) Broadcasting
“radio communication” applies in that section
The term “radio communication” or “communication by radio” means the transmission by radio of writing, signs, signals, pictures, and sounds of all kinds, including all instrumentalities, facilities, apparatus, and services (among other things, the receipt, forwarding, and delivery of communications) incidental to such transmission. (41) Radio officer (A) The term “radio officer” on a ship of the United States means, for the purpose of part II of subchapter III of this chapter, a person holding at least a first or second class radiotelegraph operator’s license as prescribed and issued by the Commission.
“radio station” applies in that section
The term “radio station” or “station” means a station equipped to engage in radio communication or radio transmission of energy. (43) Radiotelegraph auto alarm The term “radiotelegraph auto alarm” on a ship of the United States subject to the provisions of part II of subchapter III of this chapter means an automatic alarm receiving apparatus which responds to the radiotelegraph alarm signal and has been approved by the Commission.
“radio station license” applies throughout its chapter
The term “station license”, “radio station license”, or “license” means that instrument of authorization required by this chapter or the rules and regulations of the Commission made pursuant to this chapter, for the use or operation of apparatus for transmission of energy, or communications, or signals by radio, by whatever name the instrument may be designated by the Commission. (50) Telecommunications
“radio transmission of energy” applies throughout its chapter
The term “transmission of energy by radio” or “radio transmission of energy” includes both such transmission and all instrumentalities, facilities, and services incidental to such transmission. (58) United States
“rural telephone company” applies throughout its chapter
The term “rural telephone company” means a local exchange carrier operating entity to the extent that such entity— (A) provides common carrier service to any local exchange carrier study area that does not include either— (i) any incorporated place of 10,000 inhabitants or more, or any part thereof, based on the most recently available population statistics of the Bureau of the Census; or (ii) any territory, incorporated or unincorporated, included in an urbanized area, as defined by the Bureau of the Census as of August 10, 1993 ; (B) provides telephone exchange service, including exchange access, to fewer than 50,000 access lines; (C) provides telephone exchange service to any local …
“safety convention” applies throughout its chapter
The term “safety convention” means the International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea in force and the regulations referred to therein. (46) Ship;
“ship” applies throughout its chapter
The term “ship” or “vessel” includes every description of watercraft or other artificial contrivance, except aircraft, used or capable of being used as a means of transportation on water, whether or not it is actually afloat. (B) A ship shall be considered a passenger ship if it carries or is licensed or certificated to carry more than twelve passengers. (C) A cargo ship means any ship not a passenger ship.
“State” applies throughout its chapter
The term “State” includes the District of Columbia and the Territories and possessions. (48) State commission
“State commission” applies throughout its chapter
The term “State commission” means the commission, board, or official (by whatever name designated) which under the laws of any State has regulatory jurisdiction with respect to intrastate operations of carriers. (49) Station license
“station” applies in that section
The term “radio station” or “station” means a station equipped to engage in radio communication or radio transmission of energy. (43) Radiotelegraph auto alarm The term “radiotelegraph auto alarm” on a ship of the United States subject to the provisions of part II of subchapter III of this chapter means an automatic alarm receiving apparatus which responds to the radiotelegraph alarm signal and has been approved by the Commission.
“station license” applies throughout its chapter
The term “station license”, “radio station license”, or “license” means that instrument of authorization required by this chapter or the rules and regulations of the Commission made pursuant to this chapter, for the use or operation of apparatus for transmission of energy, or communications, or signals by radio, by whatever name the instrument may be designated by the Commission. (50) Telecommunications
“telecommunications” applies throughout its chapter
The term “telecommunications” means the transmission, between or among points specified by the user, of information of the user’s choosing, without change in the form or content of the information as sent and received. (51) Telecommunications carrier
“telecommunications carrier” applies throughout its chapter
The term “telecommunications carrier” means any provider of telecommunications services, except that such term does not include aggregators of telecommunications services (as defined in section 226 of this title ). A telecommunications carrier shall be treated as a common carrier under this chapter only to the extent that it is engaged in providing telecommunications services, except that the Commission shall determine whether the provision of fixed and mobile satellite service shall be treated as common carriage. (52) Telecommunications equipment
“telecommunications equipment” applies throughout its chapter
The term “telecommunications equipment” means equipment, other than customer premises equipment, used by a carrier to provide telecommunications services, and includes software integral to such equipment (including upgrades). (53) Telecommunications service
“telecommunications service” applies throughout its chapter
The term “telecommunications service” means the offering of telecommunications for a fee directly to the public, or to such classes of users as to be effectively available directly to the public, regardless of the facilities used. (54) Telephone exchange service
“telephone exchange service” applies throughout its chapter
The term “telephone exchange service” means (A) service within a telephone exchange, or within a connected system of telephone exchanges within the same exchange area operated to furnish to subscribers intercommunicating service of the character ordinarily furnished by a single exchange, and which is covered by the exchange service charge, or (B) comparable service provided through a system of switches, transmission equipment, or other facilities (or combination thereof) by which a subscriber can originate and terminate a telecommunications service. (55) Telephone toll service
“telephone toll service” applies throughout its chapter
The term “telephone toll service” means telephone service between stations in different exchange areas for which there is made a separate charge not included in contracts with subscribers for exchange service. (56) Television service (A) Analog television service
“transmission of energy by radio” applies throughout its chapter
The term “transmission of energy by radio” or “radio transmission of energy” includes both such transmission and all instrumentalities, facilities, and services incidental to such transmission. (58) United States
“United States” applies throughout its chapter
The term “United States” means the several States and Territories, the District of Columbia, and the possessions of the United States, but does not include the Canal Zone. (59) Wire communication
“vessel” applies throughout its chapter
The term “ship” or “vessel” includes every description of watercraft or other artificial contrivance, except aircraft, used or capable of being used as a means of transportation on water, whether or not it is actually afloat. (B) A ship shall be considered a passenger ship if it carries or is licensed or certificated to carry more than twelve passengers. (C) A cargo ship means any ship not a passenger ship.
“wire communication” applies throughout its chapter
The term “wire communication” or “communication by wire” means the transmission of writing, signs, signals, pictures, and sounds of all kinds by aid of wire, cable, or other like connection between the points of origin and reception of such transmission, including all instrumentalities, facilities, apparatus, and services (among other things, the receipt, forwarding, and delivery of communications) incidental to such transmission.
“current amount” applies in that section
the term “current amount” means, with respect to a fee, the amount of the fee on the date when the fee was established, the date when the fee was last adjusted under paragraph (1), or the date when the fee was last amended under subsection (c), whichever is latest.
“line” applies in that section
the term “line” means any channel of communication established by the use of appropriate equipment, other than a channel of communication established by the interconnection of two or more existing channels: Provided, however , That nothing in this section shall be construed to require a certificate or other authorization from the Commission for any installation, replacement, or other changes in plant, operation, or equipment, other than new construction, which will not impair the adequacy or quality of service provided.
“service area” applies in that section
The term “service area” means a geographic area established by a State commission (or the Commission under paragraph (6)) for the purpose of determining universal service obligations and support mechanisms. In the case of an area served by a rural telephone company, “service area” means such company’s “study area” unless and until the Commission and the States, after taking into account recommendations of a Federal-State Joint Board instituted under section 410(c) of this title , establish a different definition of service area for such company.
“aggregate customer information” applies in that section
The term “aggregate customer information” means collective data that relates to a group or category of services or customers, from which individual customer identities and characteristics have been removed. (3) Subscriber list information
“customer proprietary network information” applies in that section
The term “customer proprietary network information” means— (A) information that relates to the quantity, technical configuration, type, destination, location, and amount of use of a telecommunications service subscribed to by any customer of a telecommunications carrier, and that is made available to the carrier by the customer solely by virtue of the carrier-customer relationship; and (B) information contained in the bills pertaining to telephone exchange service or telephone toll service received by a customer of a carrier; except that such term does not include subscriber list information. (2) Aggregate information
“emergency notification services” applies in that section
The term “emergency notification services” means services that notify the public of an emergency. (7) Emergency support services
“emergency services” applies in that section
The term “emergency services” means 9–1–1 emergency services and emergency notification services. (6) Emergency notification services
“emergency support services” applies in that section
The term “emergency support services” means information or data base management services used in support of emergency services.
“public safety answering point” applies in that section
The term “public safety answering point” means a facility that has been designated to receive emergency calls and route them to emergency service personnel. (5) Emergency services
“subscriber list information” applies in that section
The term “subscriber list information” means any information— (A) identifying the listed names of subscribers of a carrier and such subscribers’ telephone numbers, addresses, or primary advertising classifications (as such classifications are assigned at the time of the establishment of such service), or any combination of such listed names, numbers, addresses, or classifications; and (B) that the carrier or an affiliate has published, caused to be published, or accepted for publication in any directory format. (4) Public safety answering point
“access software” applies throughout its chapter
The term “access software” means software (including client or server software) or enabling tools that do not create or provide the content of the communication but that allow a user to do any one or more of the following: (A) filter, screen, allow, or disallow content; (B) pick, choose, analyze, or digest content; or (C) transmit, receive, display, forward, cache, search, subset, organize, reorganize, or translate content.;
“consent” applies in that section
The term “consent” means an affirmative, conscious, and voluntary authorization made by an individual free from force, fraud, duress, misrepresentation, or coercion. (B) Digital forgery
“digital forgery” applies in that section
The term “digital forgery” means any intimate visual depiction of an identifiable individual created through the use of software, machine learning, artificial intelligence, or any other computer-generated or technological means, including by adapting, modifying, manipulating, or altering an authentic visual depiction, that, when viewed as a whole by a reasonable person, is indistinguishable from an authentic visual depiction of the individual. (C) Identifiable individual
“identifiable individual” applies in that section
The term “identifiable individual” means an individual— (i) who appears in whole or in part in an intimate visual depiction; and (ii) whose face, likeness, or other distinguishing characteristic (including a unique birthmark or other recognizable feature) is displayed in connection with such intimate visual depiction. (D) Interactive computer service
“institution of higher education” applies throughout its chapter
The term “institution of higher education” has the meaning provided in section 1001 of title 20 .;
“interactive computer service” applies in that section
The term “interactive computer service” has the meaning given the term in section 230 of this title . (E) Intimate visual depiction
“intimate visual depiction” applies in that section
The term “intimate visual depiction” has the meaning given such term in section 6851 of title 15 . (F) Minor
“library” applies throughout its chapter
The term “library” means a library eligible for participation in State-based plans for funds under title III of the Library Services and Construction Act ( 20 U.S.C. 355e et seq.).
“minor” applies in that section
The term “minor” means any individual under the age of 18 years. (2) Offense involving authentic intimate visual depictions (A) Involving adults Except as provided in subparagraph (C), it shall be unlawful for any person, in interstate or foreign commerce, to use an interactive computer service to knowingly publish an intimate visual depiction of an identifiable individual who is not a minor if— (i) the intimate visual depiction was obtained or created under circumstances in which the person knew or reasonably should have known the identifiable individual had a reasonable expectation of privacy; (ii) what is depicted was not voluntarily exposed by the identifiable individual in a public or …
“Federal Government” applies in that section
The term “Federal Government” means the Government of the United States or any agency or instrumentality thereof.;
“pole attachment” applies in that section
The term “pole attachment” means any attachment by a cable television system or provider of telecommunications service to a pole, duct, conduit, or right-of-way owned or controlled by a utility. (5) For purposes of this section, the term “telecommunications carrier” (as defined in section 153 of this title ) does not include any incumbent local exchange carrier as defined in section 251(h) of this title .
“State” applies in that section
The term “State” means any State, territory, or possession of the United States, the District of Columbia, or any political subdivision, agency, or instrumentality thereof.;
“usable space” applies in that section
the term “usable space” means the space above the minimum grade level which can be used for the attachment of wires, cables, and associated equipment. (3) This subsection shall apply to the rate for any pole attachment used by a cable television system solely to provide cable service. Until the effective date of the regulations required under subsection (e), this subsection shall also apply to the rate for any pole attachment used by a cable system or any telecommunications carrier (to the extent such carrier is not a party to a pole attachment agreement) to provide any telecommunications service.
“utility” applies in that section
The term “utility” means any person who is a local exchange carrier or an electric, gas, water, steam, or other public utility, and who owns or controls poles, ducts, conduits, or rights-of-way used, in whole or in part, for any wire communications. Such term does not include any railroad, any person who is cooperatively organized, or any person owned by the Federal Government or any State.;
“carrier” applies in that section
The term “common carrier” or “carrier” includes any common carrier engaged in interstate communication by wire or radio as defined in section 153 of this title and any common carrier engaged in intrastate communication by wire or radio, notwithstanding sections 152(b) and 221(b) of this title. (2) TDD
“common carrier” applies in that section
The term “common carrier” or “carrier” includes any common carrier engaged in interstate communication by wire or radio as defined in section 153 of this title and any common carrier engaged in intrastate communication by wire or radio, notwithstanding sections 152(b) and 221(b) of this title. (2) TDD
“TDD” applies in that section
The term “TDD” means a Telecommunications Device for the Deaf, which is a machine that employs graphic communication in the transmission of coded signals through a wire or radio communication system. (3) Telecommunications relay services
“telecommunications relay services” applies in that section
The term “telecommunications relay services” means telephone transmission services that provide the ability for an individual who is deaf, hard of hearing, deaf-blind, or who has a speech disability to engage in communication by wire or radio with one or more individuals, in a manner that is functionally equivalent to the ability of a hearing individual who does not have a speech disability to communicate using voice communication services by wire or radio.
“access code” applies in that section
The term “access code” means a sequence of numbers that, when dialed, connect the caller to the provider of operator services associated with that sequence.;
“aggregator” applies in that section
The term “aggregator” means any person that, in the ordinary course of its operations, makes telephones available to the public or to transient users of its premises, for interstate telephone calls using a provider of operator services.;
“call splashing” applies in that section
The term “call splashing” means the transfer of a telephone call from one provider of operator services to another such provider in such a manner that the subsequent provider is unable or unwilling to determine the location of the origination of the call and, because of such inability or unwillingness, is prevented from billing the call on the basis of such location.;
“consumer” applies in that section
The term “consumer” means a person initiating any interstate telephone call using operator services.;
“equal access” applies in that section
The term “equal access” has the meaning given that term in Appendix B of the Modification of Final Judgment entered August 24, 1982 , in United States v. Western Electric, Civil Action No. 82–0192 (United States District Court, District of Columbia), as amended by the Court in its orders issued prior to October 17, 1990 .;
“equal access code” applies in that section
The term “equal access code” means an access code that allows the public to obtain an equal access connection to the carrier associated with that code.;
“operator services” applies in that section
The term “operator services” means any interstate telecommunications service initiated from an aggregator location that includes, as a component, any automatic or live assistance to a consumer to arrange for billing or completion, or both, of an interstate telephone call through a method other than— (A) automatic completion with billing to the telephone from which the call originated; or (B) completion through an access code used by the consumer, with billing to an account previously established with the carrier by the consumer.;
“presubscribed provider of operator services” applies in that section
The term “presubscribed provider of operator services” means the interstate provider of operator services to which the consumer is connected when the consumer places a call using a provider of operator services without dialing an access code.;
“provider of operator services” applies in that section
The term “provider of operator services” means any common carrier that provides operator services or any other person determined by the Commission to be providing operator services. (b) Requirements for providers of operator services (1) In general Beginning not later than 90 days after October 17, 1990 , each provider of operator services shall, at a minimum— (A) identify itself, audibly and distinctly, to the consumer at the beginning of each telephone call and before the consumer incurs any charge for the call; (B) permit the consumer to terminate the telephone call at no charge before the call is connected; (C) disclose immediately to the consumer, upon request and at no charge to the …
“attorney general” applies in that section
the term “attorney general” means the chief legal officer of a State. (h) Annual report to Congress on robocalls and transmission of misleading or inaccurate caller identification information (1) Report required Not later than 1 year after December 30, 2019 , and annually thereafter, the Commission, after consultation with the Federal Trade Commission, shall submit to Congress a report regarding enforcement by the Commission of subsections (b), (c), (d), and (e) during the preceding calendar year.
“automatic telephone dialing system” applies in that section
The term “automatic telephone dialing system” means equipment which has the capacity— (A) to store or produce telephone numbers to be called, using a random or sequential number generator; and (B) to dial such numbers.
“caller identification information” applies in that section
The term “caller identification information” means information provided by a caller identification service regarding the telephone number of, or other information regarding the origination of, a call made using a voice service or a text message sent using a text messaging service. (B) Caller identification service
“caller identification service” applies in that section
The term “caller identification service” means any service or device designed to provide the user of the service or device with the telephone number of, or other information regarding the origination of, a call made using a voice service or a text message sent using a text messaging service. Such term includes automatic number identification services. (C) Text message
“telephone facsimile machine” applies in that section
The term “telephone facsimile machine” means equipment which has the capacity (A) to transcribe text or images, or both, from paper into an electronic signal and to transmit that signal over a regular telephone line, or (B) to transcribe text or images (or both) from an electronic signal received over a regular telephone line onto paper.;
“telephone solicitation” applies in that section
The term “telephone solicitation” means the initiation of a telephone call or message for the purpose of encouraging the purchase or rental of, or investment in, property, goods, or services, which is transmitted to any person, but such term does not include a call or message (A) to any person with that person’s prior express invitation or permission, (B) to any person with whom the caller has an established business relationship, or (C) by a tax exempt nonprofit organization.;
“text message” applies in that section
The term “text message”— (i) means a message consisting of text, images, sounds, or other information that is transmitted to or from a device that is identified as the receiving or transmitting device by means of a 10-digit telephone number or N11 service code; (ii) includes a short message service (commonly referred to as “SMS”) message and a multimedia message service (commonly referred to as “MMS”) message; and (iii) does not include— (I) a real-time, two-way voice or video communication; or (II) a message sent over an IP-enabled messaging service to another user of the same messaging service, except a message described in clause (ii). (D) Text messaging service
“text messaging service” applies in that section
The term “text messaging service” means a service that enables the transmission or receipt of a text message, including a service provided as part of or in connection with a voice service. (E) Voice service
“unsolicited advertisement” applies in that section
The term “unsolicited advertisement” means any material advertising the commercial availability or quality of any property, goods, or services which is transmitted to any person without that person’s prior express invitation or permission, in writing or otherwise.
“voice service” applies in that section
The term “voice service”— (i) means any service that is interconnected with the public switched telephone network and that furnishes voice communications to an end user using resources from the North American Numbering Plan or any successor to the North American Numbering Plan adopted by the Commission under section 251(e)(1) of this title ; and (ii) includes transmissions from a telephone facsimile machine, computer, or other device to a telephone facsimile machine. (9) Limitation Notwithstanding any other provision of this section, subsection (f) shall not apply to this subsection or to the regulations under this subsection.
“STIR/SHAKEN authentication framework” applies in that section
The term “STIR/SHAKEN authentication framework” means the secure telephone identity revisited and signature-based handling of asserted information using tokens standards proposed by the information and communications technology industry. (2) Voice service
“voice service” applies in that section
The term “voice service”— (A) means any service that is interconnected with the public switched telephone network and that furnishes voice communications to an end user using resources from the North American Numbering Plan or any successor to the North American Numbering Plan adopted by the Commission under section 251(e)(1) of this title ; and (B) includes— (i) transmissions from a telephone facsimile machine, computer, or other device to a telephone facsimile machine; and (ii) without limitation, any service that enables real-time, two-way voice communications, including any service that requires internet protocol-compatible customer premises equipment (commonly known as “CPE”) and …
“robocall violation” applies in that section
the term “robocall violation” means a violation of subsection (b) or (e) of section 227 of this title .
“calling card” applies in that section
the term “calling card” means an identifying number or code unique to the individual, that is issued to the individual by a common carrier and enables the individual to be charged by means of a phone bill for charges incurred independent of where the call originates.
“pay-per-call services” applies in that section
The term “pay-per-call services” means any service— (A) in which any person provides or purports to provide— (i) audio information or audio entertainment produced or packaged by such person; (ii) access to simultaneous voice conversation services; or (iii) any service, including the provision of a product, the charges for which are assessed on the basis of the completion of the call; (B) for which the caller pays a per-call or per-time-interval charge that is greater than, or in addition to, the charge for transmission of the call; and (C) which is accessed through use of a 900 telephone number or other prefix or area code designated by the Commission in accordance with subsection (b)(5).
“access software provider” applies in that section
The term “access software provider” means a provider of software (including client or server software), or enabling tools that do any one or more of the following: (A) filter, screen, allow, or disallow content; (B) pick, choose, analyze, or digest content; or (C) transmit, receive, display, forward, cache, search, subset, organize, reorganize, or translate content.
“information content provider” applies in that section
The term “information content provider” means any person or entity that is responsible, in whole or in part, for the creation or development of information provided through the Internet or any other interactive computer service. (4) Access software provider
“interactive computer service” applies in that section
The term “interactive computer service” means any information service, system, or access software provider that provides or enables computer access by multiple users to a computer server, including specifically a service or system that provides access to the Internet and such systems operated or services offered by libraries or educational institutions. (3) Information content provider
“Internet” applies in that section
The term “Internet” means the international computer network of both Federal and non-Federal interoperable packet switched data networks. (2) Interactive computer service
“by means of the World Wide Web” applies in that section
The term “by means of the World Wide Web” means by placement of material in a computer server-based file archive so that it is publicly accessible, over the Internet, using hypertext transfer protocol or any successor protocol. (2) Commercial purposes; engaged in the business (A) Commercial purposes A person shall be considered to make a communication for commercial purposes only if such person is engaged in the business of making such communications. (B) Engaged in the business
“engaged in the business” applies in that section
The term “engaged in the business” means that the person who makes a communication, or offers to make a communication, by means of the World Wide Web, that includes any material that is harmful to minors, devotes time, attention, or labor to such activities, as a regular course of such person’s trade or business, with the objective of earning a profit as a result of such activities (although it is not necessary that the person make a profit or that the making or offering to make such communications be the person’s sole or principal business or source of income).
“Internet” applies in that section
The term “Internet” means the combination of computer facilities and electromagnetic transmission media, and related equipment and software, comprising the interconnected worldwide network of computer networks that employ the Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol or any successor protocol to transmit information. (4) Internet access service
“Internet access service” applies in that section
The term “Internet access service” means a service that enables users to access content, information, electronic mail, or other services offered over the Internet, and may also include access to proprietary content, information, and other services as part of a package of services offered to consumers. Such term does not include telecommunications services. (5) Internet information location tool
“Internet information location tool” applies in that section
The term “Internet information location tool” means a service that refers or links users to an online location on the World Wide Web. Such term includes directories, indices, references, pointers, and hypertext links. (6) Material that is harmful to minors
“material that is harmful to minors” applies in that section
The term “material that is harmful to minors” means any communication, picture, image, graphic image file, article, recording, writing, or other matter of any kind that is obscene or that— (A) the average person, applying contemporary community standards, would find, taking the material as a whole and with respect to minors, is designed to appeal to, or is designed to pander to, the prurient interest; (B) depicts, describes, or represents, in a manner patently offensive with respect to minors, an actual or simulated sexual act or sexual contact, an actual or simulated normal or perverted sexual act, or a lewd exhibition of the genitals or post-pubescent female breast; and (C) taken as a …
“minor” applies in that section
The term “minor” means any person under 17 years of age.
“incumbent local exchange carrier” applies in that section
the term “incumbent local exchange carrier” means, with respect to an area, the local exchange carrier that— (A) on February 8, 1996 , provided telephone exchange service in such area; and (B) (i) on February 8, 1996 , was deemed to be a member of the exchange carrier association pursuant to section 69.601(b) of the Commission’s regulations (47 C.F.R. 69.601(b)); or (ii) is a person or entity that, on or after February 8, 1996 , became a successor or assign of a member described in clause (i).
“commercial mobile service” applies in that section
The term “commercial mobile service” has the meaning given that term under section 332(d) of the Communications Act of 1934 ( 47 U.S.C. 332(d) ). (2) Commission
“Commission” applies in that section
The term “Commission” means the Federal Communications Commission. (3) IP-enabled voice service
“IP-enabled voice service” applies in that section
The term “IP-enabled voice service” shall include— (A) an interconnected VoIP service, as defined in section 9.3 of the 1 title 47 of the Code of Federal Regulations, or any successor thereto; and (B) a one-way interconnected VoIP service. (4) State
“State” applies in that section
The term “State” has the meaning given that term in section 615b of this title .
“incumbent local exchange carrier” applies in that section
the term “incumbent local exchange carrier” has the meaning provided in section 251(h) of this title .
“child pornography” applies in that section
The term “child pornography” has the meaning given such term in section 2256 of title 18 . (G) Harmful to minors
“covered funding” applies in that section
the term “covered funding” means any new offer of high-cost universal service program funding, including funding provided through a reverse competitive bidding mechanism provided under this section, for the deployment of a broadband-capable network and the provision of supported services over the network; and;
“elementary and secondary schools” applies in that section
The term “elementary and secondary schools” means elementary schools and secondary schools, as defined in section 7801 of title 20 . (B) Health care provider
“harmful to minors” applies in that section
The term “harmful to minors” means any picture, image, graphic image file, or other visual depiction that— (i) taken as a whole and with respect to minors, appeals to a prurient interest in nudity, sex, or excretion; (ii) depicts, describes, or represents, in a patently offensive way with respect to what is suitable for minors, an actual or simulated sexual act or sexual contact, actual or simulated normal or perverted sexual acts, or a lewd exhibition of the genitals; and (iii) taken as a whole, lacks serious literary, artistic, political, or scientific value as to minors. (H) Sexual act; sexual contact
“health care provider” applies in that section
The term “health care provider” means— (i) post-secondary educational institutions offering health care instruction, teaching hospitals, and medical schools; (ii) community health centers or health centers providing health care to migrants; (iii) local health departments or agencies; (iv) community mental health centers; (v) not-for-profit hospitals; (vi) rural health clinics; (vii) skilled nursing facilities (as defined in section 395i–3(a) of title 42 ); and (viii) consortia of health care providers consisting of one or more entities described in clauses (i) through (vii). (C) Public institutional telecommunications user
“minor” applies in that section
The term “minor” means any individual who has not attained the age of 17 years. (E) Obscene
“new covered funding award” applies in that section
the term “new covered funding award” means an award of covered funding that is made based on an application submitted to the Commission on or after the date on which rules are promulgated under paragraph (2). (2) Commission rulemaking Not later than 180 days after May 11, 2026 , the Commission shall initiate a rulemaking proceeding to establish a vetting process for applicants for, and other recipients of, a new covered funding award.
“obscene” applies in that section
The term “obscene” has the meaning given such term in section 1460 of title 18 . (F) Child pornography