FCC Reviews More Paperwork for Satellite Band Plans
Published Date: 10/19/2026
Notice
Summary
The FCC is asking businesses to share their thoughts on a paperwork update about 3.7 GHz band space station plans and payments. This review aims to cut down on unnecessary forms and make things easier, especially for small businesses with fewer than 25 employees. Comments are due by December 18, 2026, so don’t miss your chance to help shape the process and possibly save time and money!
Analyzed Economic Effects
5 provisions identified: 3 benefits, 2 costs, 0 mixed.
Submit 3.98–4.16 GHz Transition Plan
If you operate an eligible space station, you must submit a detailed transition plan to the FCC by November 5, 2026 describing steps and estimated costs to clear your operations in the 4.0–4.16 GHz portion of the C-band in the contiguous United States. The FCC estimates each eligible space station transition plan will take 2,720 hours to prepare; the collection covers 3,003 respondents, an estimated total annual burden of 104,160 hours and total annual costs of $540,000.
Mandatory Clearing Deadlines for Incumbents
All incumbent Fixed Satellite Service operations in the contiguous United States must clear the 4.0–4.16 GHz portion of the C-band by December 30, 2030 for the top 75 Partial Economic Areas (PEAs) and by June 30, 2031 for all other areas.
Opt for Lump Sum or Reimbursement
If you operate an incumbent earth station, you may either accept reimbursement for reasonable and necessary relocation costs or opt out of relocation and accept an irrevocable per-site lump sum payment based on average estimated relocation cost. The Wireless Telecommunications Bureau will announce the lump sum amounts and an incumbent electing lump sum must make that irrevocable election no later than 60 days after that announcement. The FCC estimates 32 hours per lump sum payment election.
Auction Timing and Bidder Cost Estimates
Before the public auction for licenses in the 3.98–4.14 GHz band begins, potential bidders will be told when they will get access to that spectrum and will be given estimates of the incumbent relocation costs and incentive payments they may be required to pay. The Commission must complete the public auction by July 4, 2027 pursuant to statute.
Small Businesses Can Comment by Dec 18, 2026
Small business concerns with fewer than 25 employees are invited to submit comments on ways to minimize the information collection burden under the Paperwork Reduction Act; written comments must be submitted on or before December 18, 2026 to the contact emails listed in the notice.
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Key Dates
Department and Agencies
Related Federal Register Documents
2026-21484, Establishment of the 4.9 GHz Band Manager Selection Federal Advisory Committee
The FCC is setting up a new advisory committee to pick the best manager for the 4.9 GHz band, which helps public safety communications run smoothly. This group will review applications and recommend who should coordinate this important radio space, making sure it stays up-to-date and useful. The committee will work for up to one year, helping keep our communities safer with better tech.
2026-21280, Wireless Telecommunications Bureau Seeks Comment on Proposed Rebate Categories and Amounts for Radio Altimeter Retrofits To Support the Upper C-band Transition
The FCC wants your thoughts on how to give rebates to airplane owners who need to upgrade their radio altimeters. This upgrade is required by the FAA to make room for new wireless services in the Upper C-band. Comments are open until October 26, 2026, and this rebate plan will help cover retrofit costs for affected aircraft owners.
2026-21347, Modernizing the Commission's National Environmental Policy Act Rules
The FCC wants to speed up and simplify how it checks the environmental impact of building communication towers and other infrastructure. They’re asking for ideas on how to make these reviews cheaper and faster, especially around historic sites and endangered species rules. If you’re involved in building or managing communication networks, get ready to share your thoughts by November 18, 2026!
2026-21324, Upper C-Band (3.98-4.2 GHz); Expanding Flexible Use of the 3.7 to 4.2 GHz Band
The FCC is making new rules official for companies using the 3.7 to 4.2 GHz band, especially those running space stations and earth stations. These changes help clear up reporting requirements and set deadlines for payments and transitions, affecting over 3,000 businesses. The new rules kick in on October 19, 2026, aiming to speed up flexible use of this valuable spectrum while keeping things fair and organized.
2026-21352, Privacy Act System of Records
The FCC is updating its records system for the National Deaf-Blind Equipment Distribution Program to better track who’s involved and prevent fraud. This affects state programs and others applying for certification to help distribute special equipment. Changes take effect October 19, 2026, with a chance to comment by November 18, 2026, and no new costs are expected.
2026-21323, 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 collection they want to keep or change. They especially want ideas to make things easier for small businesses with fewer than 25 employees. Comments are due by November 18, 2026, so don’t miss your chance to weigh in!
Previous / Next Documents
Previous: 2026-21327, Information Collection Requirement; Defense Federal Acquisition Regulation Supplement (DFARS) Part 215 Negotiation
The Department of Defense wants to keep collecting info from businesses involved in contract negotiations under DFARS Part 215 for three more years. This helps DoD manage contracts better and affects about 193 companies, each spending around 4 hours on this yearly. Comments on this plan are open until December 18, 2026, so speak up if you have ideas to make it easier or clearer!
Next: 2026-21329, Information Collection Requirement; Defense Federal Acquisition Regulation Supplement (DFARS); Inspection and Receiving Report
The Department of Defense wants to keep collecting info on inspections and receiving reports from businesses working with them. They’re asking for public feedback by December 18, 2026, before extending this paperwork requirement for another three years. This affects over 130,000 businesses and involves millions of responses, but it helps keep defense contracts running smoothly.