Federal Communications Commission

Established on June 19, 1934, by the Communications Act of 1934, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) replaced the Federal Radio Commission to oversee U.S. communications. It's an independent agency of the United States government that regulates interstate and international communications across radio, television, wire, satellite, and cable. The FCC's core mission is to ensure the public has broad access to communication services, foster competition within these industries, and protect consumers from unfair practices. A significant part of its work involves managing the radio-frequency spectrum, a vital natural resource essential for wireless technologies.

The agency operates from its headquarters located in Washington, D.C. In fiscal year 2022, the FCC managed a budget of $388 million and employed 1,433 personnel. Its operations are fully funded through regulatory fees collected from the industries it oversees, meaning it does not rely on taxpayer money for its day-to-day functions.[edit]