The U.S. Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has proposed detailed procedures to speed the review and approval of new and innovative technologies.
Under Section 7 of the U.S. Communications Act (as amended), the Commission is empowered to “determine whether any new technology or service proposed in a petition or application is in the public interest within one year after such petition or application is filed.” However, the Commission has never defined the expedited review and approval process for such technologies or services.
So, in a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NRPM) issued in late February, the Commission has done just that. Specifically, the NPRM defines specific requirements that applicants seeking consideration under Section 7 must meet, and details specific criteria to be used by the Commission for determining whether a proposed technology qualifies for expedited review under Section 7.
Read the complete text of the FDA’s NPRM on the review of new technologies. Comments on the NRPM are due by the beginning of April (go to http://apps.fcc.gov/ecfs/, and reference GN Docket No. 18-22).