Civil Monetary Penalty Inflation Adjustment

Key Points

• 1The FCC is raising the dollar amounts of fines it can issue to companies and individuals who violate federal communications rules
• 2These increases are required by law to keep up with inflation so that fines don't become less effective over time
• 3Companies that break FCC rules—such as those involving phone service, internet, broadcasting, or wireless communications—could face higher financial penalties
• 4The updated penalty amounts take effect immediately and apply to violations going forward
• 5This change affects telecommunications companies, broadcasters, and other entities regulated by the FCC, but not typical consumers unless they operate a communications business

Key Dates