FCC weighs spectrum auction and nearly 500 MHz for satellites
Published Date: 10/29/2026
Notice
Summary
The FCC is planning to open up new airwaves for faster, better wireless services by auctioning off 25 MHz of prime spectrum and making nearly 500 MHz more available for space-based coverage. These changes will help companies build cool new tech that connects devices directly and improves coverage everywhere. The meeting on October 29, 2026, will decide the rules and timing, potentially speeding up innovation and boosting the wireless market.
Analyzed Economic Effects
6 provisions identified: 5 benefits, 1 costs, 0 mixed.
Auctioning 25 MHz of Mid‑Band Spectrum
The FCC will consider a Further Notice of Proposed Rulemaking to unlock 25 megahertz of mid‑band spectrum by enabling auctioning, licensing, and development of the 1675–1695 MHz and 2020–2025 MHz bands. The item would seek comment on policies, service and technical rules, and coordination requirements and is on the October 29, 2026 Open Meeting agenda.
Make 482 MHz Available from Space
The FCC will consider a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking that would make an additional 482 megahertz of spectrum available for Supplemental Coverage from Space (SCS), eliminate burdensome SCS requirements, and consider harmonizing SCS and Mobile Satellite Service rules. This item is on the October 29, 2026 Open Meeting agenda.
Tighten Equipment Testing and Transition Deadline
The FCC will consider a Third Report and Order and Third Further Notice proposing to prohibit recognition of Test Labs, Telecommunications Certification Bodies, and accreditation bodies located in "non‑Reciprocal Economies" and to require substantive FCC testing, certification, and accreditation to occur in the U.S. or Reciprocal Economies. The item would adopt a uniform transition period ending December 1, 2028 and allow two years for manufacturers and Test Labs to find alternatives and expand capacity.
Modernize Accessibility Rules for People with Disabilities
The FCC will consider a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking to modernize accessibility rules implementing Sections 716 and 717 of the Communications Act (as enacted by the Twenty‑First Century Communications and Video Accessibility Act of 2010) and to update rules for telecommunication relay and speech‑to‑speech services, with the goal of removing barriers to accessibility. This item is on the October 29, 2026 Open Meeting agenda.
Unlock 50 MHz for Drone Operations
The FCC will consider a Report and Order that would eliminate a restriction preventing drone operations in the 800 MHz Cellular band and would unlock 50 megahertz of licensed, nationwide, low‑band spectrum for drone use. This item is listed for the October 29, 2026 Open Meeting.
Modernize International Section 214 and Fee Schedule
The FCC will consider a Report and Order and Further Notice to modernize its international Section 214 framework to assess national security, law enforcement, foreign policy, and trade risks, while also considering amendment of the schedule of application fees in sections 1.1102–1.1109 of the rules. This item is on the October 29, 2026 agenda.
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Key Dates
Department and Agencies
Related Federal Register Documents
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