Telecommunications: FCC's Handling of Formal Complaints Filed Against Common Carriers
RCED-93-83
Published: Mar 18, 1993. Publicly Released: Apr 22, 1993.
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Highlights
Pursuant to a congressional request, GAO reviewed the Federal Communication Commission's (FCC) complaint process that resolves pricing and other disputes between customers and common carriers, focusing on: (1) the length of time it takes FCC to resolve formal complaints against common carriers; (2) FCC compliance with the requirement that it resolve tariff complaints within 12 or 15 months of filing; and (3) the volume and age of formal complaints pending at FCC.
Recommendations
Matter for Congressional Consideration
| Matter | Status | Comments |
|---|---|---|
| In view of the section 208 requirement that FCC complete its tariff investigations within 12 to 15 months of the filing date of a complaint, Congress may wish to consider amending the section to explicitly authorize the FCC deferral policy. This would allow FCC to calculate the complaint resolution time frame from the date that the underlying proceeding is completed, rather than the date on which the complaint is filed. | The Subcommittee staff advised GAO on September 20, 1994, that they do not anticipate in the foreseeable future changing the legislation as GAO had recommended. |
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Topics
Administrative remediesAgency proceedingsCommon carrier operationsFederal regulationsInvestigations by federal agenciesLiability (legal)NoncomplianceTariffsTelecommunicationsGrievance procedures