US Regulatory Digest

2026-04-15

2
High
13
Medium
25
Low

Overview

Spectrum policy dominates this period with major actions including ISED's residual spectrum auction results, Indigenous priority spectrum windows opening in Canada, and FCC refreshing C-band technical rules. Foreign ownership transparency and national security concerns are rising priorities, with new FCC disclosure requirements and equipment prohibition proposals, while Lifeline reforms and BEAD fund reallocation signal evolving approaches to universal service programs.

High Priority

High FCC Spectrum & Licensing

Wireless Telecommunications Bureau Refreshes Record on Lower C-Band Petitions for Reconsideration

FCC seeks updated comments on C-band spectrum rules (3.7-4.2 GHz) to harmonize lower and upper C-band technical approaches.

Impact: Could require technical changes to existing C-band deployments and affect 5G network planning across multiple frequency bands, potentially requiring equipment modifications or operational adjustments.
High FCC Regulatory Process

Protecting Our Communications Networks by Promoting Transparency Regarding Foreign Adversary Control

FCC adopts new rules requiring license holders to disclose foreign adversary ownership or control relationships.

Impact: Requires comprehensive disclosure reporting from all license holders, potentially affecting operating authority for carriers with foreign ownership and creating compliance obligations across all license categories.

Spectrum & Licensing

FCC seeks updated comments on C-band spectrum rules.
Public symposium for NTIA spectrum policy announcement.

Broadband & Infrastructure

Stakeholder input session on using BEAD program savings from administrative reforms.
Session on school device use and screen time.
Session on data center challenges and opportunities.
NTIA hosts regional sessions on broadband grant sustainability.

Consumer Protection

FCC proposes updates to Lifeline program rules to combat fraud and streamline compliance.

Wireless & Mobile

Listening session on Public Wireless Supply Chain Innovation Fund and future AI/RAN funding opportunities.
Public FirstNet Board meeting notice.
NTIA/GCOT listening session on Open RAN certification principles development.

Satellite & Space

FCC proposes to address spectrum shortage for non-communications spacecraft control and telemetry operations.
NTIA launches new portal for commercial space launch spectrum coordination.
Correction notice on L-band satellite interference with GPS.
NTIA seeks comment on L-band satellite operations' potential interference with GPS signals.

Regulatory Process

E-Rate suspension and debarment proceeding.
E-Rate suspension and debarment proceeding.
E-Rate suspension and debarment proceeding.
Paperwork Reduction Act comment request.
E-Rate suspension and debarment proceeding.
New rules requiring disclosure of foreign adversary ownership or control of licenses.
Paperwork Reduction Act submission to OMB.
FCC updates foreign ownership review rules and codifies existing policies for carriers and broadcasters.
FCC adopts updated suspension and debarment rules for universal service programs.
FCC proposes additional safeguards and program expansions for suspension/debarment framework.
Paperwork Reduction Act comment request.
Paperwork Reduction Act submission to OMB.
FCC proposes prohibiting import/marketing of equipment deemed national security risks.
Three-year E-Rate debarment notice.
Three-year E-Rate debarment notice.
Three-year E-Rate debarment notice.
Three-year E-Rate debarment notice.
Information collection request for space portal.
TBCP and NEGP information collection submission.
60-day comment period for space portal.
Internet Use Survey OMB submission.
60-day comment on Internet Use Survey.
Reopening application window for Innovation Fund committee.
NTIA seeks input on ethical research guidelines.
Digital equity grant information collection notice.
Seeking Innovation Fund Advisory Committee applications.
Generated by regulatory-scraper on 2026-04-15