Media Contact: 
Neil Grace, (202) 418-0506
Neil.Grace@fcc.gov
For Immediate Release
FCC PROPOSES TO STREAMLINE EXECUTIVE BRANCH REVIEW 
OF CERTAIN FCC APPLICATIONS INVOLVING FOREIGN OWNERSHIP
WASHINGTON, June 24, 2016 – The Federal Communications Commission today proposed 
changes to its rules and procedures to improve the timeliness and transparency of the review 
process for certain applications and petitions for declaratory ruling with reportable foreign 
ownership.
The Commission has routinely referred certain applications with reportable foreign ownership to 
relevant Executive Branch agencies for coordination and expertise on national security, law 
enforcement, foreign policy, and trade policy matters. These applications can include, for 
example, requests for international section 214 authorizations, submarine cable landing licenses, 
and the transfer or assignment thereof. Over time, the number of applications with reportable 
foreign ownership has increased and, as part of our effort to reform the Commission’s processes, 
Commission staff have been working with the Executive Branch and industry on ways to improve 
the process.   
On May 10, 2016, the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA), on 
behalf of the Executive Branch, filed a letter recommending changes to improve the ability of the 
Executive Branch to expeditiously and efficiently review the applications.  On May 12, 2016, the 
International Bureau released a Public Notice seeking comment on the NTIA Letter.  
The Notice of Proposed Rulemaking adopted today proposes the following:
? Threshold Information.  As requested by the Executive Branch, the Notice proposes to 
require applicants with reportable foreign ownership to provide information on 
ownership, network operations, and related matters at the time they file their applications.  
The process would replace the current practice of the Executive Branch seeking such
threshold information directly from the applicants after the Commission refers the 
applications.
? Certifications.  The Notice proposes to add a certification requirement to the rules.  It
seeks comment on NTIA’s proposal that all applicants, with or without foreign 
ownership, certify to certain mitigation provisions when they file their applications, which 
the Executive Branch says will expedite its review.  
? Timelines.  Although NTIA did not propose time frames for review, the Notice proposes 
to adopt a 90-day time frame for Executive Branch review, with an additional one-time 
90-day extension in rare circumstances provided the Executive Branch provides a status 
update every 30 days.
The Notice proposes to adopt rules that apply these requirements to applications for international 
2section 214 authorizations and submarine cable landing licenses, applications to assign or transfer 
such authorizations and licenses, and petitions for section 310(b) foreign ownership rulings 
(common carrier wireless, common carrier satellite earth stations, or broadcast).  The Notice seeks 
comment on whether there are some categories of applications that should not be referred to 
Executive Branch for review.  Finally, the Notice recommends other proposals to further 
streamline Commission review of the applications. 
Taken together, these proposals are intended to facilitate a more streamlined review process and 
provide increased certainty for applicants, while still continuing to ensure the Commission 
considers national security, law enforcement, foreign policy, and trade policy concerns as part of 
its public interest review.
Action by the Commission June 24, 2016 by Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (FCC 16-
79). Chairman Wheeler, Commissioners Clyburn, Rosenworcel, Pai and O’Rielly approving and 
issuing separate statements.  
IB Docket No. 16-155
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This is an unofficial announcement of Commission action.  Release of the full text of a 
Commission order constitutes official action.  
See MCI v. FCC. 515 F 2d 385 (D.C. Circ 1974).