FCC Boosts 6 GHz Power and Clears Foreign Ownership Rules
Published Date: 1/27/2026
Notice
Summary
On January 29, 2026, the FCC will hold a public meeting to discuss exciting updates like letting new outdoor 6 GHz devices use more power, making foreign ownership rules clearer, and boosting transparency about foreign control in U.S. networks. These changes affect tech companies, network operators, and the public by improving wireless use and security. The meeting starts at 10:30 a.m. and you can watch it live online—no appointment needed!
Analyzed Economic Effects
4 provisions identified: 4 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.
Allow Higher-Power 6 GHz Devices
The FCC will consider a Fourth Report and Order in ET Docket No. 18-295 to permit a new class of unlicensed 6 GHz devices called geofenced variable power (GVP) devices to operate outdoors at higher power. The Commission will also consider allowing increased power for certain 6 GHz operations controlled by automated frequency coordination systems and extending low-power indoor operations to cruise ships.
Clarify Foreign Ownership Rules
In GN Docket No. 25-149 the FCC will consider a Report and Order to adopt clarifications to the Commission's foreign ownership rules and practices for foreign investment in common carrier wireless, aeronautical radio, and broadcast licensees. The stated goal is to reduce unnecessary burdens on industry while continuing to protect the public interest, including national security and law enforcement.
Seek Enhancements to Relay Services
The FCC will consider a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking in CG Docket Nos. 03-123, 10-51, and 12-38 to seek comment on enhancements for Internet Protocol (IP) Relay and Video Relay Services (VRS), administrative reforms to streamline the Telecommunications Relay Services (TRS) program, updating or eliminating obsolete rules, and closing outdated dockets. These items target services for individuals with hearing and speech disabilities.
New Foreign-Adversary Disclosure Rules
In GN Docket No. 25-166 the FCC will consider a Report and Order to adopt new attestation and disclosure requirements for holders of Commission-granted licenses, leases, authorizations, permits, grants, and other approvals to enhance public transparency over Foreign Adversary Control of U.S. communications network operators. The change would require those holders to provide attestations and disclosures about foreign adversary control.
Your PRIA Score
Personalized for You
How does this regulation affect your finances?
Sign up for a PRIA Policy Scan to see your personalized alignment score for this federal register document and every other regulation we track. We analyze your financial profile against policy provisions to show you exactly what matters to your wallet.
Key Dates
Department and Agencies
Related Federal Register Documents
2026-13998 — Facilitating Implementation of Next Generation 911 Services (NG911); Improving 911 Reliability
The FCC is making 911 services smarter and more reliable by upgrading to Next Generation 911 (NG911), which uses internet technology to handle calls, texts, videos, and data. This change affects emergency call centers and service providers, who must follow new rules to keep 911 working smoothly and share info across networks. The new rules start August 10, 2026, and aim to prevent outages while encouraging innovation without extra hassle or costs.
2026-13999 — Facilitating Implementation of Next Generation 911 Services (NG911); Improving 911 Reliability
The FCC wants to make 911 calls smarter and more reliable by making sure different 911 systems can talk to each other across states. They’re also exploring cool tech like video calls to help more people reach emergency services. If you’re involved in 911 services, get ready to test these upgrades and share your thoughts by August and September 2026.
2026-13995 — 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 keep collecting important info but reduce the hassle, especially for small businesses with fewer than 25 employees. Comments are open until August 10, 2026, so don’t miss your chance to help shape the process!
2026-13874 — Enhancing Know-Your-Upstream-Provider Requirements and Strengthening STIR/SHAKEN (Call Authentication Trust Anchor; Advanced Methods To Target and Eliminate Unlawful Robocalls)
The FCC is stepping up the fight against annoying robocalls by making phone companies better at checking who they get calls from and improving call ID protections. These new rules will affect voice service providers, requiring them to verify their partners and follow stricter caller ID standards to stop fake calls. Comments on these changes are open until August 10, 2026, so the public can weigh in before the rules take effect.
2026-13873 — Advancement of the Low Power Television, TV Translator and Class A Television Service
The FCC just gave the green light to new rules that affect low power TV stations, TV translators, and Class A TV services. These changes update how these stations report info, starting July 9, 2026, making things clearer and smoother. If you run or work with these stations, get ready for some new paperwork—but no big costs or penalties if you follow the new rules!
2026-13724 — 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 comment on a paperwork update that aims to make things 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 due by August 7, 2026, so don’t miss your chance to weigh in!
Previous / Next Documents
Previous: 2026-01555 — Emergencies and the National Environmental Policy Act Guidance
The Council on Environmental Quality just dropped fresh guidance to help federal agencies follow environmental rules during emergencies like wildfires or disease outbreaks. This update replaces old advice and offers new ways to speed up reviews without skipping important steps. Agencies affected can now act faster while still protecting the environment, starting January 21, 2026, with no extra costs expected.
Next: 2026-01557 — Information Collection Being Reviewed by the Federal Communications Commission Under Delegated Authority
The FCC is checking in on some paperwork rules that affect about 200 businesses, mostly to make sure the info they collect is useful and not too much work. They want your thoughts by March 30, 2026, especially on how to make things easier for small businesses. This review won’t cost extra money but aims to keep things clear and fair for everyone involved.