What is Section 207 of the Telecommunications Act of 1996?
Asked by: Ebba Morissette | Last update: February 1, 2026Score: 4.5/5 (54 votes)
Section 207 of the Telecommunications Act of 1996 directed the FCC to create rules preventing unreasonable restrictions on devices used to receive over-the-air video programming, leading to the Over-the-Air Reception Devices (OTARD) Rule, which pre-empts local zoning, HOA rules, and private covenants that block access to satellite dishes, TV antennas, and fixed wireless antennas for services like DBS, MMDS, and TV broadcasts.
What is the Telecommunications Act of 1996 in simple terms?
The Telecommunications Act of 1996 is the first major overhaul of telecommunications law in almost 62 years. The goal of this new law is to let anyone enter any communications business -- to let any communications business compete in any market against any other.
What is the FCC rule for over the air reception devices?
The rule prohibits most restrictions that: (1) unreasonably delay or prevent installation, maintenance or use; (2) unreasonably increase the cost of installation, maintenance or use; or (3) preclude reception of an acceptable quality signal.
What is the purpose of the Telecommunications Act?
The CRTC is empowered to regulate network neutrality of a Canadian carrier. The Telecom Act prohibits a Canadian carrier from: controlling the content or. influencing the meaning or purpose of telecommunications it carries for the public.
What is Section 202 of the Telecommunications Act of 1996?
(Sec. 202) Directs the FCC to modify its multiple ownership rules to eliminate its limitation on the number of radio stations which may be owned or controlled nationally.
What Is The Telecommunications Act Of 1996? - The Right Politics
What is a complaint under section 202?
Section 202 – Postponement of issue of process
Provided that if it appears to the Magistrate that the offence complained of is triable exclusively by the Court of Session, he shall call upon the complainant to produce all his witnesses and examine them on oath.
What is Section 204 of the housing Act 1996?
204 Right of appeal to county court on point of law.
(2)An appeal must be brought within 21 days of his being notified of the decision or, as the case may be, of the date on which he should have been notified of a decision on review.
What are the requirements under part 14 of the Telecommunications Act 1997?
(1) A carrier or carriage service provider must, in connection with: (a) the operation by the carrier or provider of telecommunications networks or facilities; or (b) the supply by the carrier or provider of carriage services; do the carrier's best or the provider's best to prevent telecommunications networks and ...
What are some of the changes caused by the Telecommunications Act of 1996?
The 1996 Act rendered monopoly franchises illegal for local exchange carriers, permitted Regional Bell Operating Companies (RBOCs) to provide long-distance telephone service, and allowed local telephone companies to enter the cable television market. Page 5 Telecommunications Deregulation – Issues and Impacts Page 2 • ...
Who owns the satellite dish on my house?
Many people believe it is the responsibility of the satellite service provider to remove the equipment since they are the ones who installed it, but this is not the case. According to a representative from DISH, “The dish, or antenna, is the property of the customer.”.
Can you still use an antenna for local channels?
Over-The-Air signals are free and anyone with an antenna and a good signal can watch their favorite network TV shows and live sports. Why AirTV? Cable TV companies can charge over $8 per month for these same channels that are being broadcast for free.
What kinds of things can the FCC do if a station violates the regulatory rules that do exist regarding content behavior?
The FCC reviews all complaints for possible violation of its rules, but consistent with the First Amendment, only those that fall within the narrow scope of a particular regulation might lead to investigation and sanction. After an investigation, the FCC may take enforcement action on any violation found.
What are criticisms of the 1996 Act?
Two of the more controversial features of the 1996 law were the imposition of the five-year time limit on use of federal dollars to provide assistance to any adult and the mandatory use of financial sanctions against families that do not comply with program requirements.
What is Section 255 of the Telecommunications Act of 1996?
Section 255 of the Communications Act requires telecommunications products and services to be accessible to people with disabilities. This is required to the extent access is “readily achievable,” meaning easily accomplishable, without much difficulty or expense.
What is one of the controversial parts of the Telecommunications Act?
One of the major criticisms of the Telecommunications Act was that even though it was supposed to encourage competition, it allowed mergers to occur in several sectors of the media. Its V-Chip provision and its recommendation for ratings on television shows also faced opposition.
What is Section 42 of the Telecommunications Act?
(1) Whoever provides telecommunication services or establishes telecommunication network without authorisation under sub-section (1) of section 3, or causes damage to critical telecommunication infrastructure shall be punishable with imprisonment for a term which may extend to three years, or with fine which may extend ...
What is Section 68 of the Telecommunications Act?
(1) A carrier must not contravene a condition of the carrier licence held by the carrier. (d) conspire with others to effect a contravention of subsection (1). (3) Subsections (1) and (2) are civil penalty provisions .
What does the Telecommunications Act of 1996 say?
In order to enable competition, the 1996 Act required incumbent telecommunications companies to interconnect their networks with new competing companies, and to provide wholesale access to materials and components as those smaller companies build their networks.
How to file a lawsuit against a cell phone company?
If you believe that you have been financially damaged by a telecommunications carrier and would like to take legal action against that carrier, you may bring a lawsuit based on a violation of the Communications Act in Federal District Court or file a legal action at the FCC.
Does complaining to the FCC do anything?
Yes, filing a complaint with the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) can do something; it often leads to resolution (like refunds) or gets the provider to respond, and even if not resolved, it helps the FCC track issues, identify trends, and inform policy and enforcement actions against companies on a national scale. While the FCC doesn't resolve every individual dispute, especially for issues like robocalls or indecency, your complaint feeds into their larger oversight and can guide you to other agencies if needed.
Can you report bad cell service?
Complaints can be filed online at fcc.gov/complaints. Filing online is the quickest and most effective way to file a complaint. Other options for filing a complaint with the FCC include: Phone: 1-888-CALL-FCC (1-888-225-5322); ASL Video Call: 1-844-432-2275.
What is Section 27 of the housing Act?
(1)This section applies if, at any time after 9th June 1988, a landlord (in this section referred to as “the landlord in default”) or any person acting on behalf of the landlord in default unlawfully deprives the residential occupier of any premises of his occupation of the whole or part of the premises.
What is Section 210 of the Housing Act 1996?
210 Suitability of accommodation. E+W. (1)In determining for the purposes of this Part whether accommodation is suitable for a person, the local housing authority shall have regard to [F1 Parts 9 and 10 ] of the Housing Act 1985 (slum clearance [F2 and overcrowding) and Parts 1 to 4 of the Housing Act 2004 ] .
What is Section 3604 of the Fair housing Act?
To refuse to sell or rent after the making of a bona fide offer, or to refuse to negotiate for the sale or rental of, or otherwise make unavailable or deny, a dwelling to any person because of race, color, religion, sex, familial status, or national origin.