FCC Online Public Inspection File System Launched Today

Cable Operators Must Register As Soon As Possible

The FCC’s Online Public Inspection File (OPIF) system is now operational at https://publicfiles.fcc.gov. All cable operators with 1,000 or more subscribers must begin to use this system for new Public File materials effective today and going forward, and must complete the upload of their existing Public File materials within six months (by December 24) (see JSI’s May 26th e-Lert for full details).

Operators with between 1,000 and 5,000 cable subscribers have an extended date of March 1, 2018, for placing new Political File material in the OPIF. Any other new Public File material must be maintained in the OPIF beginning today for any operator with 1,000 or more subscribers.

If you have fewer than 1,000 subscribers, you are exempt from the requirement to use the OPIF, but must continue to maintain your Public File at your local cable system office.

Companies must register in the system as soon as possible. Even if you do not expect to immediately have new Public File material to upload, you should establish your basic cable operator information as soon as possible. Although FCC staff does not expect that all cable operators will enter the system on the first day of the site’s launch, the FCC will investigate any consumer complaints that a cable operator does not appear in the OPIF.

The initial OPIF login is a two-step process. You must first log in on the “Owner” dashboard with your COALS ID and password where the system will generate a passcode. Then you must sign in to the “Entity” dashboard with your PSID and the assigned passcode. Basic operator information will require a list of zip codes where you serve cable subscribers, and you must choose to “turn on” your information in order for the public to have access.

Once all of your existing Public File material has been uploaded (no later than December 24), you must certify in the OPIF to that effect.

If you would like assistance with establishing your Public Inspection File in the OPIF, please contact Marty Kluh or Valerie Wimer in JSI’s Maryland office at 301-459-7590.

Source: JSI e-Lert