FCC Tweaks Radio Quiet Zone Limits from Global Conference Deal
Published Date: 1/14/2026
Proposed Rule
Summary
The FCC wants to update radio rules to match international agreements made at the 2019 World Radiocommunication Conference. These changes affect how certain radio frequencies between 495 kHz and 50.9 GHz are used, including new limits in the Table Mountain Radio Quiet Zone. If you use these frequencies, get ready to comment by February 13, 2026, and expect smoother, more coordinated radio signals nationwide.
Analyzed Economic Effects
7 provisions identified: 4 benefits, 2 costs, 1 mixed.
GMDSS Satellite Coverage Added (1621.35–1626.5 MHz)
The FCC proposes adding a primary maritime mobile‑satellite (space‑to‑Earth) allocation in 1621.35–1626.5 MHz for Federal and non‑Federal shared use, subject to new international footnotes (5.208B, 5.370, 5.373, 5.373A). The change is meant to provide additional satellite coverage for the Global Maritime Distress and Safety System (GMDSS).
Short‑Duration NGSO Access Below 1 GHz
The FCC proposes to allow non‑geostationary satellites (NGSO) with short‑duration missions (limited to 3 years or less and no more than 10 satellites) to use portions of the 137–138 MHz and 148–149.9 MHz bands. The proposal includes power flux‑density limits (e.g., −140 dB(W/(m2·4 kHz)) in 137–138 MHz and party‑specific limits in 148–149.9 MHz) and says these systems must not claim protection from existing primary services.
MSS Earth‑Station Power Limits (399.9–400.05 MHz)
The FCC proposes adding footnotes that would limit emissions from mobile‑satellite service (MSS) earth stations in the 399.9–400.05 MHz band so that maximum EIRP does not exceed specified limits (for example, 5 dBW per 4 kHz and 5 dBW per 150 kHz). The proposal references dates in the WRC‑19 Final Acts for when limits apply and asks whether the limits should be added into part 25 rules.
Earth Stations In Motion (ESIM) Conditions Expanded
The FCC proposes adding footnote 5.517A to allow Earth Stations in Motion (ESIMs) communicating with GSO FSS in the 17.7–19.7 GHz (space‑to‑Earth) and 27.5–29.5 GHz (Earth‑to‑space) bands under Resolution 169 conditions. Resolution 169 contains technical/off‑axis EIRP density limits that differ from current part 25 rules and could subject ESIMs to less restrictive limits in some sub‑bands.
Unwanted Emission Limits for 49.7–50.9 GHz
The FCC proposes to revise unwanted emission limits from earth stations transmitting in 49.7–50.2 GHz and 50.4–50.9 GHz toward the 50.2–50.4 GHz passive band. Proposed numeric limits include: for NGSO earth stations brought into use on/after 2021, −42 dBW/200 MHz (with uplink power control allowing up to −35 dBW/200 MHz at low elevation); for GSO stations brought into use on/after 2024, ranges from −45 dBW/200 MHz up to −25 dBW/200 MHz depending on elevation and antenna gain; pre‑date stations would be subject to −20 dBW/200 MHz (or −10 dBW/200 MHz for high‑gain antennas).
NAVDAT Use at 495–505 kHz (Coast Stations Only)
The FCC proposes making 495–505 kHz available for the international NAVDAT system (digital coast‑to‑ship broadcasting) by adding footnote 5.82C and updating footnote US79A so that 435–472 kHz and 479–510 kHz also can be used for NAVDAT. The proposal states NAVDAT transmitting stations are limited to coast stations and references Recommendation ITU‑R M.2010.
Table Mountain Quiet Zone Field Limit Changes
NTIA requests that the FCC modify the Table Mountain Radio Quiet Zone limits at and above 15.7 GHz by changing the field‑strength/PFD rule to scale with frequency (and to a per‑megahertz basis). The FCC seeks comment on starting the adjustment at 15.7 GHz, the proposed linear/log scaling, bandwidth‑based limits, and whether similar adjustments should apply at much higher frequencies.
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Key Dates
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