FCC Debates Faster Space Approvals and Wireless Security Boosts
Published Date: 11/20/2025
Notice
Summary
On October 28, 2025, the FCC will hold a public meeting to discuss big updates that affect space tech, wireless spectrum use, and protecting our networks from security threats. They’re aiming to speed up space licensing, make better use of high-frequency airwaves, and tighten rules to keep our communications safe. These changes could boost the American space economy and improve how we use wireless signals, all while guarding against risks—so stay tuned!
Analyzed Economic Effects
8 provisions identified: 7 benefits, 0 costs, 1 mixed.
Space licensing overhaul to speed approvals
On October 28, 2025 the FCC will consider a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking to replace current part 25 with a new part 100 for space and earth station licensing. The proposal would create a "licensing assembly line" to process applications faster and add predictability and flexibility for entities applying for space licenses.
Tightening equipment authorization for security
The FCC will consider a Second Report and Order and Second Further Notice of Proposed Rulemaking to change the equipment authorization program to protect networks and the communications supply chain against national security threats. The effort aims to tighten rules around equipment authorization.
Steps to speed Next Gen TV transition
The FCC will consider a Further Notice of Proposed Rulemaking seeking comment on removing regulatory obstacles and giving broadcasters flexibility to support and accelerate a voluntary, market-based transition to Next Gen TV. The goal is to help the broadcast transition continue.
Facilitating transition to all‑IP voice interconnection
The FCC will consider a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking to examine interconnection rules for incumbent local exchange carriers and to seek ways to facilitate a transition to all‑IP interconnection for voice services while retaining oversight for public safety and consumer protection.
Giving consumers better info to fight robocalls
The FCC will consider a Further Notice of Proposed Rulemaking to give consumers accurate caller name and other information, simplify or eliminate outdated robocall requirements, and notify that certain older robocall petitions will be dismissed. The proposal aims to help consumers decide whether to answer calls.
Interim rate caps for inmate calling services
The FCC will consider a Report and Order, Order on Reconsideration, and Notice of Proposed Rulemaking to establish new interim audio and video incarcerated people's communications services (IPCS) rate caps and correctional facility rate additives for cost recovery. The item also seeks comment on permanent rate caps, permanent rate additives, and continued prohibitions on site commissions and separate ancillary service charges.
Encouraging use of spectrum above 24 GHz
The FCC will consider a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking that asks for comment on ways to encourage more intensive use of spectrum bands above 24 GHz that are shared between terrestrial UMFUS and the Fixed-Satellite Service. The item specifically focuses on encouraging use of high-frequency airwaves.
Streamlining broadband label rules
The FCC will consider a Further Notice of Proposed Rulemaking that would propose eliminating certain broadband label requirements and seek comment on other ways to streamline broadband label rules to reduce compliance burdens while preserving their consumer benefit.
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Key Dates
Department and Agencies
Related Federal Register Documents
2026-16615, Unified Agenda of Federal Regulatory and Deregulatory Actions-2026
Executive Order 12866, Regulatory Planning and Review (Sep. 30, 1993), requires each agency to publish a regulatory agenda (Agenda) of regulations under development or review during the next year which will be included in the Unified Agenda of Regulatory and Deregulatory Actions (Unified Agenda). 58 FR 51735 (Oct. 4, 1993). The Agenda required by Executive Order 12866 must include all regulations the agency expects to develop or review during the next 12 months, regardless of whether they may have a significant economic impact on a substantial number of small entities. Executive Order 12866 provides that agencies may combine this agenda with the regulatory flexibility agenda required under the RFA. To help keep the public informed of significant rulemaking proceedings and meet its obligations under the RFA and Executive Order 12866, the Commission has prepared Agenda entries providing a brief description and summary of each regulatory activity that is currently planned for the 12 months, subject to revision, including the objectives and legal basis for each, and the name and telephone number of an agency official who is knowledgeable about items in the agenda. The Commission's Agenda entries published in the Federal Register are only those entries for rules that are likely to have a significant economic impact on a substantial number of small entities pursuant to the RFA. The Commission's complete list of regulatory and deregulatory actions for the Unified Agenda will be published on the internet in a searchable format at www.reginfo.gov.
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2026-16503, Empowering Broadband Consumers Through Transparency
In this document, the Federal Communications Commission (Commission) eliminates or modifies certain broadband label requirements to ensure that consumers have clear, accurate, and concise information when shopping for broadband plans. Specifically, the Commission enables providers to describe label information in a natural, conversational style over the phone; simplify fee presentation to avoid clutter; remove outdated information from the label; use links or icons at point-of-sale to avoid unwieldy amounts of information that can overwhelm consumers; and eliminate requirements that go beyond our mandate. At the same time, the Commission ensures the labels remain accessible to people with disabilities, and that labels are displayed in the same language(s) used when marketing a service.
2026-16317, Television Broadcasting Services St. George, Utah
This document proposes to amend the Table of TV Allotments (Table) of the Federal Communications Commission's (Commission) rules in response to a petition for rulemaking filed by KUTV Licensee, LLC (Licensee), the Licensee of full service television station KMYU(TV) (KMYU or Station), St. George, Utah (St. George). The Licensee applied for a construction permit (CP) to construct a facility on UHF channel 21 at St. George, which remains pending, and now requests that the Bureau substitute VHF channel 9 for UHF channel 21 in the Table with technical parameters set forth in KMYU's current license. The Media Bureau previously granted a petition for rulemaking submitted by the Licensee to substitute UHF channel 21 for VHF channel 9 at St. George. The Licensee later filed an application for a CP for its new channel, however, under further consideration and restraints, wishes to abandon its plans to modify its license for KMYU to operate on channel 21, and proposes to continue to operate on VHF channel 9 and specify the technical parameters of its currently licensed VHF channel 9 facility. The substitution of VHF channel 9 for UHF channel 21 in the Table will allow the Station to remain on the air and continue to provide service to viewers within its service area. Given that the Licensee proposes to utilize its currently licensed parameters, we believe VHF channel 9 can be substituted for UHF channel 21 at St. George as proposed, in compliance with the principal community coverage requirements of Sec. 73.618(a) of the Commission's rules.
2026-16299, Information Collection Being Submitted for Review and Approval to Office of Management and Budget
As part of its continuing effort to reduce paperwork burdens, as required by the Paperwork Reduction Act (PRA) of 1995, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC or the Commission) invites the general public and other Federal Agencies to take this opportunity to comment on the following information collection. Pursuant to the Small Business Paperwork Relief Act of 2002, the FCC seeks specific comment on how it can further reduce the information collection burden for small business concerns with fewer than 25 employees.
2026-16298, Information Collection Being Reviewed by the Federal Communications Commission
As part of its continuing effort to reduce paperwork burdens, and as required by the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (PRA), the Federal Communications Commission (FCC or Commission) invites the general public and other Federal agencies to take this opportunity to comment on the following information collections. Comments are requested concerning: whether the proposed collection of information is necessary for the proper performance of the functions of the Commission, including whether the information shall have practical utility; the accuracy of the Commission's burden estimate; ways to enhance the quality, utility, and clarity of the information collected; ways to minimize the burden of the collection of information on the respondents, including the use of automated collection techniques or other forms of information technology; and ways to further reduce the information collection burden on small business concerns with fewer than 25 employees. The FCC may not conduct or sponsor a collection of information unless it displays a currently valid Office of Management and Budget (OMB) control number. No person shall be subject to any penalty for failing to comply with a collection of information subject to the PRA that does not display a valid OMB control number.
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