US Regulatory Digest

2026-02-20

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Medium

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Overview

Significant spectrum and wireless activity dominates this period, with the FCC proposing enhanced 6 GHz unlicensed operations and moving forward on 900 MHz band reforms while finalizing VoIP numbering rules to combat robocalls. Meanwhile, NTIA's BEAD fund reallocation listening session and ISED's 2.5 GHz band plan consultation signal major shifts in North American broadband and spectrum policy that could reshape deployment strategies for operators.

High Priority

High FCC Spectrum & Licensing

Unlicensed Use of the 6 GHz Band; Expanding Flexible Use in Mid-Band Spectrum Between 3.7 and 24 GHz

FCC proposes allowing automated frequency coordination systems to consider building entry loss when determining power levels for 6 GHz unlicensed devices.

Impact: Could significantly impact Wi-Fi 6E and future Wi-Fi 7 deployments by allowing higher power unlicensed operations, potentially affecting licensed operators' spectrum planning and interference considerations in the 6 GHz band.

High FCC Wireless & Mobile

Sunshine Act; Open Commission Meeting Wednesday, February 18, 2026

FCC meeting to consider Lifeline program reforms and a Report and Order on maximizing the 900 MHz band potential.

Impact: The 900 MHz band order could enable new wireless broadband opportunities and the Lifeline reforms will affect how operators participate in and receive subsidies from federal programs supporting low-income subscribers.

High FCC Numbering & Voice

Numbering Policies for Modern Communications

FCC adopts final rules for direct number access by VoIP providers to reduce robocall perpetrator access to phone numbers.

Impact: VoIP providers will face new compliance requirements that could affect their number acquisition processes and operational costs while enhancing robocall prevention.

High NTIA Broadband & Infrastructure

NTIA Listening Session on the Use of BEAD Funds Saved Through the Trump Administration's Benefit of the Bargain Reforms

NTIA gathering stakeholder input on how to use BEAD program funds saved through administrative reforms.

Impact: Could redirect billions in federal broadband funding and change deployment requirements for operators participating in BEAD programs across states.

Spectrum & Licensing

Unlicensed Use of the 6 GHz Band; Expanding Flexible Use in Mid-Band Spectrum Between 3.7 and 24 GHz High FCC

FCC proposes allowing automated frequency coordination systems to consider building entry loss when determining power levels for 6 GHz unlicensed devices.

Implementation of the Final Acts of the World Radiocommunication Conference (Geneva, 2015) (WRC-15), Other Allocation Issues, and Related Rule Updates; Correction Low FCC

Correction to WRC-15 implementation rules.

2025 NTIA Spectrum Policy Symposium Medium NTIA

Public symposium to announce NTIA spectrum policy.

Broadband & Infrastructure

NTIA Listening Session on the Use of BEAD Funds Saved Through the Trump Administration's Benefit of the Bargain Reforms High NTIA

NTIA gathering stakeholder input on how to use BEAD program funds saved through administrative reforms.

Agency Information Collection Activities; Submission to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for Review and Approval; Comment Request; Tribal Broadband Connectivity Program (TBCP) and Native Entities Grant Program (NEGP) Medium NTIA

Information collection requirements for tribal broadband grant programs.

NTIA Listening Session on Bolstering Data Center Growth, Resilience and Security Low NTIA

Listening session on data center infrastructure challenges.

Regional Roundtables on Broadband Program Sustainability Medium NTIA

NTIA hosting regional roundtables on sustainability of BEAD and other broadband grant programs.

Agency Information Collection Activities; Submission to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for Review and Approval; Comment Request; State Digital Equity Capacity Grant Program Low NTIA

Digital equity grant program information collection.

Request for Comment on Local Estimates of internet Adoption Low NTIA

Seeks input on Project LEIA local internet adoption estimates.

Consumer Protection

Privacy Act of 1974; Matching Program Low FCC

Data matching program with Indiana for Lifeline eligibility verification.

Privacy Act of 1974; Matching Program Low FCC

Data matching program with Pennsylvania for Lifeline/ACP eligibility verification.

Numbering & Voice

Numbering Policies for Modern Communications High FCC

FCC adopts final rules for direct number access by VoIP providers to reduce robocall perpetrator access to phone numbers.

Numbering Policies for Modern Communications Medium FCC

FCC proposes rules on VoIP direct number access to combat robocalls.

Broadcasting & Media

Television Broadcasting Services Hutchinson, Kansas Low FCC

Channel substitution for PBS station KPTS.

Radio Broadcasting Services; Various Locations Low FCC

FM channel substitutions in multiple locations.

Television Broadcasting Services Norwell, Massachusetts Low FCC

Proposes channel substitution for WWDP station.

Online Safety & Content

NTIA Listening Session on Kids' Excessive Screen Time Low NTIA

Listening session on school device use and screen time.

Ethical Guidelines for Research Using Pervasive Data Low NTIA

Seeks input on ethical guidelines for research using online data.

Wireless & Mobile

Sunshine Act; Open Commission Meeting Wednesday, February 18, 2026 High FCC

FCC meeting to consider Lifeline program reforms and a Report and Order on maximizing the 900 MHz band potential.

First Responder Network Authority; Public Combined Board and Board Committees Meeting Low NTIA

FirstNet board public meeting notice.

Open RAN Certification Principles Listening Session Medium NTIA

GCOT listening session on developing Open RAN certification principles.

Public Wireless Supply Chain Innovation Fund Listening Session #2 Medium NTIA

Second listening session on wireless supply chain innovation fund opportunities.

Satellite & Space

Agency Information Collection Activities; Submission for OMB Review; Comment Request; NTIA Space Launch Frequency Coordination Portal Low NTIA

Information collection for space launch coordination portal.

Agency Information Collection Activities; Submission to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for Review and Approval; Comment Request; NTIA Space Launch Frequency Coordination Portal Low NTIA

Space launch coordination portal information collection.

Impact of L-Band MSS `Direct-to-Device' Operations on GPS Medium NTIA

Correction notice for L-band satellite-to-device GPS interference inquiry.

Impact of L-Band MSS 'Direct-to-Device' Operations on GPS Medium NTIA

NTIA seeks comment on L-band satellite-to-device impacts on GPS from less restrictive emission limits.

Regulatory Process

Petition for Reconsideration of Action in Rulemaking Proceeding; Application for Review of Action in Rulemaking Proceeding; Correction Low FCC

Correction of procedural dates.

SES Performance Review Board Low FCC

Senior executive performance review board appointments.

Information Collection Being Reviewed by the Federal Communications Commission Under Delegated Authority Low FCC