US Regulatory Digest

2026-03-26

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Medium

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Overview

This week features significant regulatory activity focused on network modernization and broadband funding. The FCC is proposing major changes to intercarrier compensation and call center policies, while NTIA is reshaping BEAD program funding allocation. ISED Canada completed a residual spectrum auction affecting key mobile bands, and Ofcom released its annual Online Safety Act report on content moderation enforcement.

High Priority

High FCC Numbering & Voice

Sunshine Act; Open Commission Meeting Thursday, March 26, 2026

FCC proposes actions to address offshore call centers and illegal robocalls originating from foreign call centers through new numbering policies.

Impact: Could impose new compliance obligations on carriers regarding call center locations and robocall prevention, potentially affecting operational costs and numbering practices.

High FCC Competition & Market Structure

Reforming Legacy Rules for an All-IP Future; Accelerating Network Modernization

FCC proposes to move remaining intercarrier compensation charges to bill-and-keep framework and detariff them to accelerate all-IP network transition.

Impact: Fundamental change to how carriers compensate each other for traffic exchange, eliminating legacy ICC charges and potentially reducing regulatory burden while changing revenue streams.

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 seeks input on reallocation of BEAD program savings from cost reforms to other broadband initiatives.

Impact: Could redirect billions in federal broadband funding to different programs or requirements, affecting buildout strategies and funding availability for rural network deployment.

Spectrum & Licensing

2025 NTIA Spectrum Policy Symposium Medium NTIA

Annual spectrum policy symposium announcement.

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 seeks input on reallocation of BEAD program savings from cost reforms to other broadband initiatives.

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

Information collection for tribal broadband programs.

Regional Roundtables on Broadband Program Sustainability Medium NTIA

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 data collection.

Request for Comment on Local Estimates of internet Adoption Low NTIA

Input on local internet adoption estimates project.

Consumer Protection

Internet-Based Telecommunications Relay Service Modernization Medium FCC

FCC proposes modernizing TRS rules with ASR and AI technologies for accessibility services.

Privacy Act of 1974; Matching Program Medium FCC

FCC announces data matching with HUD to verify eligibility for Lifeline and ACP subsidy programs.

NTIA Listening Session on Kids' Excessive Screen Time Low NTIA

Session on school device use and screen time.

Numbering & Voice

Sunshine Act; Open Commission Meeting Thursday, March 26, 2026 High FCC

FCC proposes actions to address offshore call centers and illegal robocalls originating from foreign call centers through new numbering policies.

Competition & Market Structure

Reforming Legacy Rules for an All-IP Future; Accelerating Network Modernization High FCC

FCC proposes to move remaining intercarrier compensation charges to bill-and-keep framework and detariff them to accelerate all-IP network transition.