FCC Council Schedules Another Meeting About Keeping Communications Reliable

2026-21619, Privacy Act of 1974; System of Records

The FCC is creating a new record system to track people and companies who might have broken rules in programs like the Universal Service Fund. This helps decide if they should be suspended or banned from participating. The system starts on October 22, 2026, with comments open until November 23, 2026, and no extra costs are expected.

2026-21484, Establishment of the 4.9 GHz Band Manager Selection Federal Advisory Committee

The FCC is setting up a new advisory committee to pick the best manager for the 4.9 GHz band, which helps public safety communications run smoothly. This group will review applications and recommend who should coordinate this important radio space, making sure it stays up-to-date and useful. The committee will work for up to one year, helping keep our communities safer with better tech.

2026-21280, Wireless Telecommunications Bureau Seeks Comment on Proposed Rebate Categories and Amounts for Radio Altimeter Retrofits To Support the Upper C-band Transition

The FCC wants your thoughts on how to give rebates to airplane owners who need to upgrade their radio altimeters. This upgrade is required by the FAA to make room for new wireless services in the Upper C-band. Comments are open until October 26, 2026, and this rebate plan will help cover retrofit costs for affected aircraft owners.

2026-21324, Upper C-Band (3.98-4.2 GHz); Expanding Flexible Use of the 3.7 to 4.2 GHz Band

The FCC is making new rules official for companies using the 3.7 to 4.2 GHz band, especially those running space stations and earth stations. These changes help clear up reporting requirements and set deadlines for payments and transitions, affecting over 3,000 businesses. The new rules kick in on October 19, 2026, aiming to speed up flexible use of this valuable spectrum while keeping things fair and organized.

2026-21347, Modernizing the Commission's National Environmental Policy Act Rules

The FCC wants to speed up and simplify how it checks the environmental impact of building communication towers and other infrastructure. They’re asking for ideas on how to make these reviews cheaper and faster, especially around historic sites and endangered species rules. If you’re involved in building or managing communication networks, get ready to share your thoughts by November 18, 2026!

2026-21352, Privacy Act System of Records

The FCC is updating its records system for the National Deaf-Blind Equipment Distribution Program to better track who’s involved and prevent fraud. This affects state programs and others applying for certification to help distribute special equipment. Changes take effect October 19, 2026, with a chance to comment by November 18, 2026, and no new costs are expected.

Previous: 2025-09277, Revision of Approved State Primacy Program for the State of Hawaii

Hawaii updated its drinking water rules to better protect groundwater from germs, matching tough federal standards. The EPA reviewed and approved these changes, so Hawaii will keep running its own safe water program. If anyone wants a public hearing, they must ask by June 23, 2025, but no extra costs or delays are expected.

Next: 2025-09282, Petition for Waiver of Compliance; Extension of Comment Period

The Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) is giving everyone more time to share their thoughts on a request from the Association of American Railroads to change how often and how they check railroad tracks. This extension means comments are now due by July 9, 2025. Rail workers and the public get a longer chance to weigh in before any rules might change, but no money changes are mentioned yet.