FCC Limits How Many FM Translator Bids Nonprofits Can File
Published Date: 6/25/2026
Rule
Summary
Starting July 27, 2026, the FCC is setting new rules for folks applying to build noncommercial educational FM translator stations in the reserved band. Applicants can only submit a limited number of applications, and only certain groups will be eligible to apply. This helps keep things fair and organized for the upcoming 2026 filing window without extra costs for applicants.
Analyzed Economic Effects
5 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 4 costs, 0 mixed.
National Ten-Application Cap Adopted
Starting July 27, 2026, each applicant entity may file no more than ten new NCE reserved band FM translator station construction permit applications nationally in the 2026 filing window. If an applicant files more than the limit, the Media Bureau will keep the applications filed first (by receipt date) and dismiss any that exceed the cap.
LPFM Application Subcaps (4 and 2)
For the 2026 filing window, Tribal LPFM applicant entities subject to Sec. 73.860(c) may file up to four applications nationally, and other LPFM applicant entities subject to Sec. 73.860(b) may file up to two applications nationally. These LPFM-specific limits are exceptions to the general ten-application cap.
Primary-Station Eligibility Requirement
In the 2026 filing window, each applicant must be the licensee or permittee of an existing noncommercial educational (NCE) FM station, a noncommercial AM radio broadcast station, or an LPFM station that the proposed FM translator will rebroadcast. Only applicants meeting that primary-station requirement may file.
Four-Year Holding Period Imposed
Each construction permit or license granted in the 2026 filing window is subject to a holding period: from grant until the facility has achieved four years of on-air operations rebroadcasting the identified primary station, the permittee/licensee must keep the same primary station and may not assign or transfer the translator authorization unless the primary station is assigned/transferred to the same entity at the same time.
No New Reporting or Information Collections
The Commission states the document contains no new or modified information collection requirements and that the adopted rules will not increase reporting or recordkeeping requirements for applicants. Applicants who are existing licensees or permittees are expected to be familiar with the application process.
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
2026-16196, Build America: Eliminating Barriers to Wireline Deployments
In this document, the Federal Communications Commission (Commission) proposes and seeks comment on rules that would eliminate state and local requirements that constrain the deployment of modern high-speed wireline infrastructure in violation of section 253 of the Communications Act (Act), particularly through the imposition of excessive delays and fees that impede infrastructure deployments and disincentivize investments in them. Based on the record resulting from a Notice of Inquiry that identified numerous challenges providers face in offering telecommunications services and deploying wireline infrastructure (2025 Notice of Inquiry), this Notice of Proposed Rulemaking seeks comment on codifying rules that would: establish a rebuttable presumption that state and local governments have effectively prohibited the provision of wireline telecommunications services if they fail to process all authorizations for use of public rights-of-way to provide wireline telecommunications services or to deploy wireline telecommunications infrastructure within 120 days; limit the fees that state and local governments may charge for a wireline telecommunications authorization to a reasonable approximation of the government's actual, direct costs of managing the rights-of-way with respect to that authorization and establish safe harbor fee levels that presumptively comport with that standard; require that the value of in-kind compensation demanded by state and local governments count toward any safe harbor fee levels adopted by the Commission; and prohibit state and local governments from imposing additional requirements on wireline telecommunications infrastructure deployments on the grounds that the infrastructure may be used to provide other services. The Notice of Proposed Rulemaking also seeks comment on the Commission's authority to enact these proposals.
2026-15932, 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.
2026-15744, 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.
2026-15789, Information Collection Being Reviewed by the Federal Communications Commission Under Delegated Authority
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.
2026-15733, Sunshine Act; Open Commission Meeting Thursday, August 6, 2026
On August 6, 2026, the FCC will hold a public meeting to discuss exciting changes that affect wireless tech and how the Universal Service Fund is managed. They’re exploring new rules to let unlicensed devices talk directly to satellites and aiming to make the Universal Service Fund work better and cost less. These updates could impact tech companies, service providers, and everyday users, with decisions coming soon that might change how we connect and pay for services.
2026-15659, Seeking Comment on Prohibiting the Importation and Marketing of Certain Foreign-Produced Military-Grade Uncrewed Aircraft Systems (UAS) and UAS Critical Components for Non-U.S. Government, Including Those With Swarming Capabilities
In this document, the Public Safety and Homeland Security Bureau (PSHSB) and the Office of Engineering and Technology (OET) seek comment on proposing to prohibit the continued importation and marketing of certain military-grade foreign-made UAS and UAS critical components that are found on the Federal Communications Commission's (FCC) Covered List. Through this Public Notice, acting pursuant to section 2.939 of the Federal Communications Commission's rules, PSHSB and OET propose to apply such prohibitions given that these devices have been found to pose an unacceptable risk to the national security of the United States and to the safety and security of United States persons pursuant to the Secure and Trusted Communications Act of 2019.
Previous / Next Documents
Previous: 2026-12766, Establishing the Digital Opportunity Data Collection; Modernizing the FCC Form 477 Data Program; Delete, Delete, Delete
The FCC is making it easier for internet providers to report broadband data by simplifying rules and cutting extra paperwork. Starting July 24, 2026, providers won’t have to fix data flagged as wrong—they’ll just lose those areas automatically. This helps speed up broadband mapping and reduces hassle for companies and communities tracking internet access.
Next: 2026-12779, Technical Amendments to Form X-17A-5 Part IIA
Oops! The document about Technical Amendments to Form X-17A-5 Part IIA isn’t available right now, so we can’t share the details. If you’re a financial firm that files this form, keep an eye out for updates soon—changes usually mean tweaks to reporting rules, deadlines, or costs. Stay tuned and ready to act when the official info drops!