Communications Policy and Regulation Division

CONTACT INFORMATION: Open during regular business hours 8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m., Monday - Friday
703-324-5902 TTY 711
12000 Government Center Parkway, Suite 433
Fairfax, VA 22035
Rick Ellrod
Director

Department Resources

Communications Policy – Legislation and Rules

The Communications Policy and Regulation Division advises the County on matters pertaining to cable and telecommunications. This work includes monitoring activity at the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), Congress, and the Virginia General Assembly. It may also include preparing or assisting with filings on behalf of the county in administrative or judicial proceedings.

Some previous FCC filings by the County are noted below:

Fairfax County Supports Efforts to Enhance Cable Customer Service (CG Docket No. 24-472)

In October 2024, the FCC launched the Strengthening Customer Service in the Communications Industry proceeding (CG Docket No. 24-472) to address concerns about consumers’ access to live customer service representatives. Fairfax County filed reply comments on December 9, 2024, supporting the FCC’s efforts to improve customer service standards. The County emphasized the importance of accessible and responsive support, particularly for cable subscribers, and highlighted ongoing challenges with automated response systems.

Reply Comments of Fairfax County (Strengthening Customer Service in the Communications Industry)

 

Blackout rebates (2024): In January 2024, the FCC issued a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking that would require cable operators and direct broadcast satellite providers to give their subscribers rebates when the subscribers were deprived of video programming, they expected to receive during programming blackouts resulting from failed retransmission consent negotiations or failed non-broadcast carriage negotiations.  The County, along with other local communities and associations, filed brief reply comments supporting the FCC’s proposal.

Reply Comments of Fairfax County et al. (4/8/2024)

 

All-in pricing for Cable and Satellite Television Service (2023): The FCC in June 2023 proposed pricing transparency rules that would require cable and satellite TV operators to publish so-called “all-in” prices of their services.  The all-in price would include all of the various fees and charges that typically are listed separately, causing customer confusion and making it difficult for consumers to comparison shop among video service providers.  The County joined a coalition of local governments and filed comments and reply comments in the proceeding in support of the FCC’s proposal. 

Local Governments Comments All-In Pricing Docket

Local Governments Reply Comments All-In Pricing Docket

 

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