FCC Enforcement Bureau Changes Policies for Addressing Interference Complaints

The FCC Enforcement Bureau (EB) said it's adopting new procedures for addressing industry and public safety complaints. The bureau said the FCC will launch a new portal for those otherwise unable to resolve interference complaints. “Once operational, the complaint intake system should allow such complainants to receive immediate confirmation of the FCC’s receipt of their complaints, as well as permit them to track the status of their complaints within the FCC,” the bureau said Thursday. The system will automatically transfer complaint information from the Web portal to the bureau’s case management database, “accelerating investigations and reducing the possibility of human error,” the bureau said. FCC field offices will contact complainants raising high-priority issues within a single calendar day, the bureau said. Low-priority complaints will receive an initial response within five business days of filing. “The public safety/industry interference complaint escalation process will improve complainants’ ability to stay informed of the status of their complaint,” the bureau said. “This process also will enable public safety/industry stakeholders to develop mutually beneficial relationships with the EB field agents in their area.” In July, the FCC approved a plan reorganizing Enforcement Bureau field offices, which includes shutting some of the offices (see 1507160036).