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.
Personalized for You
How does this regulation affect your finances?
Personalize government policy and PRIA will tell you what this federal register document means for your household, plus every other regulation we track. PRIA reads each provision against your financial profile to show you exactly what matters to your wallet.
Key Dates
Department and Agencies
Related Federal Register Documents
2026-14674, Sunshine Act Meeting; Open Commission Meeting Wednesday, July 22, 2026
On July 22, 2026, the FCC will hold a public meeting to discuss opening up 160 megahertz of the Upper C-band spectrum for new wireless services starting in December 2030. This move aims to boost U.S. wireless leadership and includes plans to help airlines update their radio altimeters safely. The meeting also covers space tech updates, affecting wireless companies, satellite operators, and travelers, with important deadlines and funding support on the horizon.
2026-14673, Review of the Commission's Assessment and Collection of Regulatory Fees for Fiscal Year 2025
The FCC has decided to stick with its original plan for collecting regulatory fees in fiscal year 2025, denying a challenge from a company called Kinéis. This means businesses that pay these fees won’t see any changes or surprises in costs or deadlines. The decision took effect on July 21, 2026, keeping the fee rules steady and clear for everyone involved.
2026-14495, Information Collection Being Submitted for Review and Approval to Office of Management and Budget
The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) is asking the public and other agencies to share their thoughts on how to make paperwork easier, especially for small businesses with fewer than 25 employees. They want to reduce the hassle of filling out forms and need approval from the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) to keep collecting this info. Comments are open until August 17, 2026, so now’s the time to speak up!
2026-14497, Information Collection Being Submitted for Review and Approval to Office of Management and Budget
The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) is asking the public and small businesses to share their thoughts on how to make paperwork easier and less time-consuming. They want to reduce the burden of information collection, especially for small businesses with fewer than 25 employees. Comments are open until August 17, 2026, so don’t miss your chance to help shape simpler rules!
2026-14496, Information Collection Being Reviewed by the Federal Communications Commission Delegated Authority
The FCC is checking in on a form used by businesses and governments to apply for Mobility Fund support, making sure it’s still useful and not too much work. They want your thoughts on how to make the process easier, especially for small businesses, before September 15, 2026. This review won’t cost much time—just about 1.5 hours per response—and helps keep things running smoothly and fairly.
2026-14494, Information Collections Being Submitted for Review and Approval to Office of Management and Budget
The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) is asking the public and other agencies to review and comment on their paperwork plans by August 17, 2026. They want to make sure small businesses with fewer than 25 employees have less paperwork to deal with. This is part of a bigger effort to cut down on unnecessary forms and save time and money for everyone involved.
Previous / Next Documents
Previous: 2026-00561, Tribal Consultation on Proposed Modifications to the HIPAA Privacy Rule
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services is inviting Tribal leaders to join a virtual meeting on February 6, 2026, to talk about changes to the HIPAA Privacy Rule. These changes aim to make it easier for people to access their health info, improve how care teams share info, and reduce paperwork for health providers. This update affects Tribal communities and health organizations, with no new costs announced yet but promises smoother health care coordination.
Next: 2026-00590, HUD's Implementation of the Fair Housing Act's Disparate Impact Standard
HUD is proposing to stop enforcing its own rules that say housing practices can be unfair even if no one meant to discriminate. Instead, courts will decide if housing actions hurt certain groups unfairly under the Fair Housing Act. This change affects renters, buyers, and lenders and invites public comments by February 13, 2026.