US Regulatory Digest

2026-03-05

High

Medium

Low

Overview

The regulatory landscape this period is dominated by three significant developments: the FCC's expansion of unlicensed 6 GHz spectrum operations with geofencing protections, NTIA's reconsideration of BEAD program funding allocations following policy reforms, and NTIA's examination of GPS interference risks from emerging satellite direct-to-device services. Meanwhile, Ofcom continues implementing the UK's Online Safety Act with new codes of practice and reporting requirements, while routine administrative filings and consultations proceed 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 geofenced variable power devices to operate at higher power levels in 6 GHz band while protecting licensed microwave links.

Impact: Licensed microwave operators must coordinate with new unlicensed devices, potentially requiring relocation or interference mitigation; creates competitive pressure from expanded Wi-Fi capabilities.

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 seeking input on how to use BEAD program funds saved from policy reforms, potentially redirecting billions in broadband infrastructure funding.

Impact: Could significantly alter BEAD program economics and funding availability for rural broadband projects, affecting business cases for fiber deployments and competitive positioning.

High NTIA Satellite & Space

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

NTIA examining potential GPS interference from satellite direct-to-device mobile services operating in L-band, which could affect emission limits.

Impact: May result in stricter technical requirements for satellite operators offering direct-to-device services, potentially increasing costs or limiting service capabilities for this emerging market.

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 geofenced variable power devices to operate at higher power levels in 6 GHz band while protecting licensed microwave links.

2025 NTIA Spectrum Policy Symposium Medium NTIA

NTIA hosting public symposium to announce spectrum policy September 10, 2025.

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 seeking input on how to use BEAD program funds saved from policy 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

Tribal broadband grant program paperwork collection.

Regional Roundtables on Broadband Program Sustainability Medium NTIA

NTIA hosting regional discussions on sustaining 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 paperwork.

Request for Comment on Local Estimates of internet Adoption Low NTIA

Project to develop local internet adoption estimates.

Consumer Protection

Privacy Act of 1974; Matching Program Medium FCC

FCC establishing data matching with Puerto Rico to verify Lifeline and ACP eligibility.

Privacy Act of 1974; Matching Program Medium FCC

FCC establishing data matching with Wisconsin to verify Lifeline and ACP eligibility.

Privacy Act of 1974; Matching Program Medium FCC

FCC establishing data matching with Medicare to verify Lifeline and ACP eligibility.

Privacy Act of 1974; System of Records Medium FCC

Modifying Lifeline Program records system.

Privacy Act of 1974; System of Records Medium FCC

Modifying Affordable Connectivity Program records system.

Broadcasting & Media

Media Bureau Seeks Comment on Sports Broadcasting Practices and Marketplace Developments Medium FCC

FCC reviewing sports media marketplace changes and broadcaster impacts.

Radio Broadcasting Services; AM or FM Proposals To Change the Community of License Low FCC

Radio station license changes.

FCC Seeks Comment on Proposed Application Limit for New NCE Reserved Band FM Translator Station Applications in Upcoming 2026 Filing Window Low FCC

Proposed limits on noncommercial FM translator applications.

Online Safety & Content

NTIA Listening Session on Kids' Excessive Screen Time Low NTIA

Examining school device use and screen time.

Ethical Guidelines for Research Using Pervasive Data Low NTIA

Seeking input on ethics for online data research.

Wireless & Mobile

Open RAN Certification Principles Listening Session Medium NTIA

NTIA gathering input on Open RAN certification principles for global coalition.

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

NTIA discussing Innovation Fund progress and future opportunities.

Satellite & Space

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

Space launch coordination paperwork review.

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 review.

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

NTIA examining potential GPS interference from satellite direct-to-device services.

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

NTIA examining potential GPS interference from satellite direct-to-device mobile services operating in L-band.

Regulatory Process

Federal Advisory Committee Act; Communications Security, Reliability, and Interoperability Council Low FCC

CSRIC final meeting scheduled March 24.

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

Paperwork reduction review.

Information Collections Being Submitted for Review and Approval to Office of Management and Budget Low FCC

Paperwork reduction act compliance.

Delegations of Authority Low FCC

Authority changes for settling claims.

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

Paperwork collection review.

Information Collection Being Reviewed by the Federal Communications Commission Low FCC

Paperwork reduction review.

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

Paperwork collection review.

Information Collections Being Submitted for Review and Approval to Office of Management and Budget Low FCC

Paperwork reduction submission.

Privacy Act of 1974; System of Records Low FCC

Modifying internet relay service database records.

Privacy Act of 1974; System of Records Low FCC

Modifying USAC CRM records.

Privacy Act of 1974; System of Records Low FCC

Modifying business contacts records.

Agency Information Collection Activities; Submission for OMB Review; Comment Request; NTIA Internet Use Survey Low NTIA

Internet use survey review.

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

Data center growth challenges and opportunities.

Agency Information Collection Activities; Submission to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for Review and Approval; Comment Request; NTIA Internet Use Survey Low NTIA

Internet use survey paperwork.

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

FirstNet board meeting notice.

Innovation Fund Advisory Committee Low NTIA

Reopening Innovation Fund committee applications.

Innovation Fund Advisory Committee Low NTIA

Seeking advisory committee members.

Generated by regulatory-scraper on 2026-03-05