Title 47 — Telegraphs, Telephones, and RadiotelegraphsRelease 119-73
§403 Inquiry by Commission on its own motion
Title 47 › Chapter CHAPTER 5— - WIRE OR RADIO COMMUNICATION › Subchapter SUBCHAPTER IV— - PROCEDURAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE PROVISIONS › § 403
Summary
The Commission can start an inquiry on its own at any time into anything people could complain about, any question under this chapter, or any issue about enforcing its rules. It has the same powers as if a complaint had been filed, including issuing and enforcing orders, but it cannot order payment of money.
Full Legal Text
Title 47, §403
Telegraphs, Telephones, and Radiotelegraphs — Source: USLM XML via OLRC
The Commission shall have full authority and power at any time to institute an inquiry, on its own motion, in any case and as to any matter or thing concerning which complaint is authorized to be made, to or before the Commission by any provision of this chapter, or concerning which any question may arise under any of the provisions of this chapter, or relating to the enforcement of any of the provisions of this chapter. The Commission shall have the same powers and authority to proceed with any inquiry instituted on its own motion as though it had been appealed to by complaint or petition under any of the provisions of this chapter, including the power to make and enforce any order or orders in the case, or relating to the matter or thing concerning which the inquiry is had, excepting orders for the payment of money.
Legislative History
Notes & Related Subsidiaries
Editorial Notes
References in Text
This chapter, referred to in text, was in the original “this Act”, meaning act June 19, 1934, ch. 652, 48 Stat. 1064, known as the Communications Act of 1934, which is classified principally to this chapter. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see section 609 of this title and Tables.
Reference
Citations & Metadata
Citation
47 U.S.C. § 403
Title 47 — Telegraphs, Telephones, and Radiotelegraphs
Last Updated
Apr 6, 2026
Release point: 119-73