FCC Proposes Caps on Radio Applications to Fight Hoarding
Published Date: 2/26/2026
Proposed Rule
Summary
The FCC is thinking about setting a limit on how many new noncommercial educational FM translator station applications each person or group can file in the 2026 window. This change aims to stop people from hoarding spots and keep the airwaves open for future users. If you want to weigh in, get your comments in by March 13, 2026!
Analyzed Economic Effects
4 provisions identified: 3 benefits, 1 costs, 0 mixed.
Ten-Application National Cap
In the 2026 new NCE reserved band FM translator filing window, each applicant entity may file no more than a total of ten applications nationally. The FCC proposes this ten-application cap to deter speculative filings and help the Media Bureau process applications more quickly during the 2026 window.
LPFM Applicant Caps (Tribal and Others)
For the 2026 window, Tribal LPFM applicant entities subject to Sec. 73.860(c) may file no more than four applications nationally, and other LPFM applicant entities subject to Sec. 73.860(b) may file no more than two applications nationally. These separate LPFM caps are proposed to comply with LPFM cross-ownership restrictions and to limit speculative filings.
Primary-Station Eligibility Requirement
In the 2026 NCE reserved band FM translator window, each applicant must be the licensee or permittee of an existing NCE FM, noncommercial AM, or LPFM station that the proposed FM translator will rebroadcast. The FCC tentatively concludes this eligibility restriction will constrain speculative applicants and help preserve spectrum for future secondary services.
Attributable Interests Count Toward Caps
A party to an application may hold attributable interests (as defined in Sec. 73.7000) in no more than the maximum applications permitted under the rule; if an entity or party exceeds the limit, the Media Bureau will retain the earliest-filed applications and dismiss later ones. This means excess applications or interests beyond the cap will be dismissed based on application receipt order.
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: 2026-03882 — Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; Status Review for the Lesser Prairie-Chicken
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is kicking off a fresh 12-month review to decide if the lesser prairie-chicken needs endangered or threatened protection. They’re asking everyone to share any info about the bird or its home by March 30, 2026. This review could lead to new rules that affect landowners, businesses, and conservation efforts in the bird’s habitat areas.
Next: 2026-03891 — Approval of Missouri's Request for Partial Program Delegation of Clean Air Act Section 112(r) Prevention of Accidental Release Program
Missouri asked the EPA to let its Department of Natural Resources take over part of the rules that keep farms safe from accidental chemical releases, especially with anhydrous ammonia. The EPA thinks Missouri’s plan meets the rules and is ready to approve it, which means local folks will handle safety checks instead of the feds. If you want to share your thoughts, you’ve got until March 30, 2026, to speak up!
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