FCC Forces License Holders to Reveal Foreign Adversary Ties
Published Date: 4/10/2026
Rule
Summary
The FCC is making sure companies with communication licenses tell the truth about any control by foreign adversaries. Starting June 9, 2026, these companies must report if a foreign government or group influences them, helping keep our networks safe and transparent. This new rule affects many license holders and sets up an easy way to share this info, with compliance deadlines announced later.
Analyzed Economic Effects
9 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 6 costs, 1 mixed.
Broadband 4G/5G Licenses Face Strict Rules
Geographic-area wireless licenses capable of 4G or 5G mobile broadband service and Commission-certified frequency coordinators are placed on Schedule A and must provide definitive attestations about foreign adversary control. The Commission treats control of these licenses as a heightened national security risk.
Mandatory Attestations for License Holders
If you hold any Commission-granted license, authorization, permit, grant, or approval, you must now file an attestation saying whether you are "owned by, controlled by, or subject to the jurisdiction or direction of a foreign adversary." This rule takes effect June 9, 2026 and also requires additional disclosure if you answer "yes."
10% Ownership Triggers Reporting
The rule treats any person or entity holding 10% or more of the total outstanding voting or equity interest as having the power to control a Regulatee, which triggers the attestation and disclosure obligations. If a Regulatee believes a 10% or greater interest does not constitute control, it must attest and then prove by clear and convincing evidence why it is not control.
Three-Track Schedule: A, B, and C
The Commission groups Covered Authorizations into three schedules. Schedule A holders must make definitive "yes" or "no" attestations; Schedule B holders must attest only if they are subject to foreign adversary control; Schedule C holders are exempt from initially attesting. Covered Authorizations not listed in the Schedules default to Schedule C.
Small-Entity Relief and Staggered Deadlines
The Commission applies a sliding-scale approach and places certain Covered Authorizations typically held by small entities in Schedule C, exempting them from initial reporting and extending filing deadlines for small entities to reduce compliance burden.
Certain Hobby and Low-Risk Licenses Exempted
Amateur radio licenses, voluntary antenna registrations, Ship and Aircraft licenses, GMRS licenses, Commercial Radio Operator licenses, and similar authorizations are placed on Schedule C and are exempt from the initial attestation requirement.
Foreign Adversary List Identified
For these rules, the Commission follows the Department of Commerce's foreign adversary designations, which currently include: the People's Republic of China (including Hong Kong and Macau), Cuba, Iran, North Korea, the Russian Federation, and Venezuelan politician Nicolás Maduro. Attestations relate to ownership/control connected to these designations.
Answering Rules and Review Process
If a Regulatee is unsure whether to report, it must answer "yes"; "no" responses must be definitive and cannot include materials meant to seek Commission staff clarification. Licensing Bureaus, Offices, and the Enforcement Bureau are delegated authority to review attestations and request more information.
OMB Review and Data Collection Notice
The Report and Order may create new or revised information collections that will be submitted to the Office of Management and Budget for review under the Paperwork Reduction Act, and the public and agencies will be invited to comment on those collections.
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Key Dates
Department and Agencies
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