FCC eyes cramming 5G and satellites into microwave spectrum chaos
Published Date: 12/3/2025
Proposed Rule
Summary
The FCC wants to make it easier and faster to use certain high-frequency bands for both 5G networks and satellite services. They’re asking for feedback on new rules that could help more companies share these airwaves without stepping on each other’s toes. If you’re involved in wireless or satellite tech, get ready to weigh in by early 2026—these changes could speed up approvals and boost innovation!
Analyzed Economic Effects
8 provisions identified: 8 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.
Raising or Removing Per-County/PEA Caps
The FCC is considering raising or eliminating the current numerical caps that limit earth station locations to three per county and (for 37.5–40 GHz receive) 15 earth stations per Partial Economic Area (PEA). The NPRM asks whether those caps and related population-coverage limits and infrastructure exclusions (e.g., protection for Interstates, major event venues, passenger railroads) should be modified or removed to facilitate more intensive FSS use of the UMFUS bands.
Automated 'Light-Licensing' Database
The FCC is proposing a “light-licensing” approach where nationwide, non-site earth station license holders would register individual sites in a common automated database. The database would run an automated interference check that returns a green, yellow, or red light (with possible use of an interference-to-noise (I/N) threshold such as -6 dB) to speed deconfliction between satellite earth stations and terrestrial base stations in the 24, 28, upper 37, 39, 47, and 50 GHz bands.
Voluntary UMFUS–FSS Commercial Deals
The FCC seeks comment on allowing UMFUS (terrestrial) licensees to voluntarily negotiate agreements with Fixed-Satellite Service (FSS) operators that would let those earth stations operate without complying with Sec. 25.136 protection criteria. The NPRM also asks whether an UMFUS licensee that enters such an agreement could count that agreement toward its UMFUS buildout requirements (for example, under Sec. 30.104), provided the FSS operator licenses and deploys some number of earth stations by the buildout deadline.
Unprotected Operations During Coordination
The FCC seeks comment on allowing earth stations to begin non-interfering, unprotected operations while good-faith coordination with UMFUS licensees is ongoing, and on whether applicants should only need to provide evidence of completed coordination upon Commission request. The NPRM contrasts permitting operation only after completed coordination versus allowing operations during the pendency of coordination.
Nationwide Non-site Licenses With Site Registration
The FCC is considering permitting applicants to obtain a nationwide, non-site earth station license and then register individual sites upon coordination in a centralized database, instead of full Sec. 25.136 showings at initial application. This is proposed as a way to reduce first-in-time processing delays and the backlog caused by complex waiver requests.
Earth-Station 'Slot' Transfer Market
The FCC asks whether to attach transferable “slots” to earth station licenses (representing opportunities to operate under a county cap) and permit slot exchanges or transfers so slot-holders can transfer the right to operate to other parties without transferring the license. The NPRM seeks comment on transfer rules, whether exchanges should be notified to the Commission, and construction or operation milestone requirements tied to exchanges.
Expanded Collocation Rules (Antenna Farms)
The FCC asks whether it should expand the definition of collocation so multiple earth stations sited within the same antenna farm (even if several hundred meters apart) count as a single collocated site for the three-per-county limit. The NPRM also asks whether the March 2025 Space Bureau guidance on partial PFD contour overlap should be adopted as binding.
Automated I/N Interference Thresholds
The FCC seeks comment on whether the automated interference check should apply an interference-to-noise (I/N) protection threshold to trigger proactive mitigation or coordination, asking specifically if -6 dB (used in 70/80/90 GHz databases) is an appropriate threshold for UMFUS bands or whether another value is preferable.
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
2026-06535 — Notice Debarment; Federal E-Rate Program
Peretz Klein is banned from the federal E-Rate program and all related federal support programs for three years starting April 3, 2026 (or when he gets the official letter). This means he can’t take part in these programs that help schools and libraries get funding for internet and technology. The ban aims to keep the program fair and protect taxpayer money.
2026-06531 — Lifeline and Link Up Reform and Modernization; Bridging the Digital Divide for Low-Income Consumers; Telecommunications Carriers Eligible for Universal Service Support; Affordable Connectivity Program; Emergency Broadband Benefit Program
The FCC is updating rules to make sure low-income Americans get the Lifeline and Affordable Connectivity programs they need without waste or fraud. These changes will protect funding, help service providers follow the rules, and make the programs easier to use. If you want to share your thoughts, comments are due by May 4, 2026, so don’t miss out!
2026-06241 — Information Collection Being Reviewed by the Federal Communications Commission
The FCC is checking in on some paperwork rules for businesses using Class B Automatic Identification System (AIS) equipment, which helps with marine safety. They want to make sure the info they collect is useful and not too much work, especially for small businesses. If you have thoughts, speak up by June 1, 2026, so the FCC can keep things smooth and clear without costing extra time or money.
2026-06240 — 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 May 1, 2026, so don’t miss your chance to help shape the rules and save time!
2026-06224 — Information Collection Being Reviewed by the Federal Communications Commission
The FCC is asking the public and other agencies to help reduce paperwork by reviewing their information collection process. They want to know if the info they collect is useful, clear, and not too much work—especially for small businesses with fewer than 25 employees. If you have thoughts, send them in by June 1, 2026, to help shape smarter, simpler rules without extra costs or hassle.
2026-06227 — Information Collection Being Reviewed by the Federal Communications Commission Under Delegated Authority
The FCC is asking the public and businesses to share their thoughts on how it collects information to make sure it’s useful and not too much work. They want to cut down on paperwork, especially for small businesses with fewer than 25 employees. If you want to comment, you’ve got until June 1, 2026, so don’t miss your chance to help shape smarter rules!
Previous / Next Documents
Previous: 2025-21785 — The Sunset Rule
The Nuclear Regulatory Commission wants to add expiration dates to some of its rules to keep things fresh and efficient, following a new government order. This change affects anyone involved with nuclear regulations and means some rules might end unless renewed. You’ve got until January 2, 2026, to share your thoughts, so don’t miss out!
Next: 2025-21807 — Empowering Broadband Consumers Through Transparency; Delete, Delete, Delete
The FCC wants to make broadband info simpler by cutting some rules that make providers share lots of details, like reading labels over the phone or listing old fees. This affects internet companies and customers, aiming to save time and money while keeping info clear. Comments on these changes are open until January 2, 2026, so jump in and share your thoughts!
Take It Personal
Get Your Personalized Policy View
Start a Free Government Policy Watch to see how policy affects your household, then upgrade to PRIA Full Coverage for year-round monitoring.
Already have an account? Sign in