IB Seeks Comment on Foreign-Ownership Questions for Executive Branch Review Process
The FCC International Bureau seeks comment on proposed standardized questions for applications on foreign ownership, as part of the new foreign-ownership review process jump-started by a White House executive order last year (see 2009290063), said a public notice Thursday. Applicants…
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for foreign ownership of broadcast stations, submarine cables, earth stations and other entities under FCC purview will submit answers to the finalized questions to the Committee for the Assessment of Foreign Participation in the U.S. Telecommunications Services Sector before or during FCC review, the PN said. The proposed questions are divided by subject matter, and the IB seeks comment on the language used, whether all questions are necessary, and how often the questions should be reevaluated. The bureau also wants input on how long entities will need to answer. The questions proposed in each category ask applicants for details on the foreign entities involved, services the applicant provides, and possible security concerns, such as whether the licensee serves “any sectors of U.S. critical infrastructure.” The IB will issue an order addressing the comments and seeking Paperwork Reduction Act review, and then issue another PN on the effective date of the questions, after which applicants will be required to submit answers to the committee, Thursday’s PN said.