US Regulatory Digest

2026-02-25

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Medium

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Overview

This week sees significant spectrum activity with FCC finalizing 6 GHz unlicensed rules and ISED consulting on 2.5 GHz band plan changes, both critical for wireless capacity expansion. Major policy developments include FCC's upcoming Lifeline program reforms and NTIA's reallocation of saved BEAD broadband funding, both with substantial financial implications for operators. Administrative items dominate with numerous Privacy Act updates for subsidy program eligibility verification and routine regulatory filings across all jurisdictions.

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 adopts rules allowing unlicensed geofenced variable power devices to operate in 6 GHz band at higher power levels with geofencing protection for licensed services.

Impact: This significantly expands unlicensed spectrum capacity for Wi-Fi and similar technologies while requiring geofencing systems to protect existing microwave links. Licensed operators must ensure their links are registered to receive interference protection, and may face new interference management challenges.

High FCC Consumer Protection

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

FCC to consider Lifeline program reforms to enhance program integrity, ensure provider compliance, and streamline rules while ensuring eligible Americans receive benefits.

Impact: Lifeline reforms could affect eligible telecommunications carriers' participation requirements, compliance costs, reimbursement processes, and program eligibility verification systems. Operators serving low-income customers need to prepare for potential rule changes.

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 input on how to use BEAD program funds saved through recent reforms for rural broadband deployment.

Impact: Could redirect billions in federal broadband funding, creating new grant opportunities or changing state allocation formulas. Operators should engage to influence how saved funds are reallocated and potentially access new funding streams.

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 adopts rules allowing unlicensed geofenced variable power devices to operate in 6 GHz band at higher power levels with geofencing protection for licensed services.

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

FCC seeks comment on improving 6 GHz unlicensed device performance through building entry loss calculations and AFC system improvements.

2025 NTIA Spectrum Policy Symposium Medium NTIA

NTIA hosting public symposium to announce spectrum policy priorities and initiatives.

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 input on how to use BEAD program funds saved through recent reforms for rural broadband deployment.

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) Low NTIA

Tribal broadband program information collection.

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

Session on data center infrastructure challenges.

Regional Roundtables on Broadband Program Sustainability Medium NTIA

NTIA hosting regional roundtables on BEAD, digital equity, and other federal broadband program sustainability.

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

Request for input on local internet adoption estimates project.

Consumer Protection

Privacy Act of 1974; Matching Program Low FCC

Puerto Rico Lifeline/ACP eligibility verification.

Privacy Act of 1974; Matching Program Low FCC

Wisconsin Lifeline/ACP eligibility matching.

Privacy Act of 1974; Matching Program Low FCC

Medicare/Medicaid Lifeline/ACP verification.

Privacy Act of 1974; System of Records Low FCC

Relay service database system update.

Privacy Act of 1974; System of Records Low FCC

Lifeline program system modification.

Privacy Act of 1974; System of Records Low FCC

USAC CRM system update.

Privacy Act of 1974; System of Records Low FCC

ACP system modification.

Privacy Act of 1974; Matching Program Low FCC

Michigan Lifeline/ACP eligibility verification.

Privacy Act of 1974; Matching Program Low FCC

Indiana Lifeline/ACP eligibility matching.

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

FCC to consider Lifeline program reforms to enhance program integrity, ensure provider compliance, and streamline rules while ensuring eligible Americans receive benefits.

Privacy Act of 1974; Matching Program Low FCC

Pennsylvania Lifeline/ACP eligibility verification.