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Federal Communications Commission Snips

NOTE: I don't update this page daily because most FCC news is administrative in nature and has nothing to do with the theme of this journal.

01-30-2026 - Federal Communications Commission "FCC XX-XXX" STATEMENT OF COMMISSIONER OLIVIA TRUSTY Re: Unlicensed Use of the 6 GHz Band; Expanding Flexible Use in Mid-Band Spectrum Between 3.7 and 24 GHz, Fourth Report and Order and Third Further Notice of Proposed Rulemaking, ET Docket No. 18-295, and GN Docket No. 17-183 (January 29, 2026). United States leadership in spectrum innovation requires a balanced spectrum policy that recognizes the importance of both licensed and unlicensed operations. I’m pleased to support today’s Fourth Report and Order because it will enhance the value of the 6 GHz band and reinforce U.S. leadership in next generation technologies.

Unlicensed innovation is rapidly expanding into applications that demand low latency, high throughput, and reliable indoor connectivity. Among other things, these applications could include Augmented Reality glasses supporting remote collaboration; immersive training tools for first responders and industrial workers; or wearable devices that monitor health, fitness, and environmental conditions in real time. By authorizing geofenced variable power, or GVP, devices, the Commission enables these technologies to scale and meet growing consumer demand, while maintaining appropriate protections for incumbent users. Importantly, while the 6 GHz band offers significant promise for wearable and other emerging use cases, this item appropriately takes a technology-neutral approach that leaves room for future innovations we cannot yet predict.

The Further Notice of Proposed Rulemaking builds on this progress by proposing additional opportunities for unlicensed use in the 6 GHz band. Specifically, it seeks comment on allowing certain devices to operate at higher power under defined conditions, which could improve indoor coverage and deliver greater benefits to American consumers. The FNPRM also explores expanding connectivity at sea by proposing rule changes to permit low-power indoor access points on cruise ships. Together, these proposals move us closer to our shared goal of universal connectivity, ensuring that advanced wireless capabilities are available wherever Americans live, work, or travel.

I thank the staff of the Office of Engineering and Technology for their work on this item.

01-12-2026 - By the Regional Director, Region One, Enforcement Bureau: 1. This is a Notice of Violation (Notice) issued pursuant to section 1.89 of the Federal Communications Commission’s (FCC or Commission) rules 47 CFR § 1.89. to Vazquez Broadcasting Corporation (Vazquez Broadcasting or Company), licensee of AM radio station WSDS (Station) and a licensee authorized on antenna structure numbers 1004883, 1004884, 1004885, and 1004886 (Antenna Structures) in Ypsilanti, Michigan. Pursuant to section 1.89(a) of the Commission’s rules, issuance of this Notice does not preclude the Enforcement Bureau (EB) from further action if warranted, including issuing a Notice of Apparent Liability for Forfeiture for the violations noted herein. 47 CFR § 1.89(a). 2. On February 24, 2025, February 27, 2025, and September 23, 2025, Agents from the FCC EB’s Columbia and Chicago offices inspected the Station and the Antenna Structures located in Ypsilanti, Michigan, and observed the following violations: a. 47 CFR § 73.49: “Antenna towers having radio frequency potential at the base (series fed, folded unipole, and insulated base antennas) must be enclosed within effective locked fences or other enclosures…” At the time of inspection, the Agent observed that the Station was in operation, thus the fences surrounding the Antenna Structures were required to be locked. The Agent found that the gates to the fences surrounding each Antenna Structure were unlocked. Furthermore, a portion of the metal chain link fence around Antenna Structure 1004844 had fallen down, leaving its base unenclosed.

01-12-2026 - By the Acting Chief, Enforcement Bureau: I. INTRODUCTION 1. In this Notice of Apparent Liability for Forfeiture (NAL), we propose a penalty of $20,000 against Jean Boncoeur (Boncoeur) for operating an unauthorized radio station, known as â€œRadio Gold Starsâ€ on 90.5 MHz in Spring Valley, New York (Station), by which Boncoeur apparently willfully and knowingly did, caused, or suffered to be done pirate radio broadcasting on January 23, 2025. Operating an unauthorized, or pirate, radio station is illegal under the Communications Act of 1934, as amended (Communications Act or Act),1 and undermines the primary mission of the Federal Communications Commission (FCC or Commission) to manage radio spectrum. Such illegal operations can interfere with licensed communications, including authorized broadcasts and communications by public safety entities. Moreover, such illegal operations pose a danger to the public because they interfere with licensed stations that inform their listeners of important public safety messages, including Emergency Alert System transmissions that provide vital information regarding weather events and other dangers to the public.

II. BACKGROUND - A. Legal Framework 2. On January 24, 2020, Congress passed the Preventing Illegal Radio Abuse Through Enforcement Act (PIRATE Act), which was subsequently codified as section 511 of the Communications Act.2 Section 511 states that any person who willfully and knowingly does, causes or suffers to be done any pirate radio broadcasting shall be subject to a fine of not more than $2,000,000 and not more than $100,000 for each day during which such offense occurs.

01-12-2026 - By the Acting Bureau Chief; 1. INTRODUCTION 1. In this Notice of Apparent Liability for Forfeiture (NAL), we propose a penalty of $20,000 against Henderson Lennox Elcock (Elcock) for operating an unauthorized radio station, known as Wild FM on 106.3 MHz in Brooklyn, New York (Station), by which Elcock apparently willfully and knowingly did, caused, or suffered to be done pirate radio broadcasting on January 30, 2025. Operating an unauthorized, or pirate, radio station is illegal under the Communications Act of 1934, as amended (Communications Act or Act)1 and undermines the primary mission of the Federal Communications Commission (FCC or Commission) to manage radio spectrum. Such illegal operations can interfere with licensed communications, including authorized broadcasts and communications by public safety entities. Moreover, such illegal operations pose a danger to the public because they interfere with licensed stations that inform their listeners of important public safety messages, including Emergency Alert System transmissions that provide vital information regarding weather events and other dangers to the public. II. BACKGROUND A. Legal Framework 2. On January 24, 2020, Congress passed the Preventing Illegal Radio Abuse Through Enforcement Act (PIRATE Act), which was subsequently codified as section 511 of the Communications Act.2 Section 511 states that any person who willfully and knowingly does, causes or suffers to be done any pirate radio broadcasting shall be subject to a fine of not more than $2,000,000 and not more than $100,000 for each day during which such offense occurs.3 Both of these figures are subject to annual inflation adjustments.4

01-12-2026 - By the Acting Chief, Enforcement Bureau: I. INTRODUCTION 1. In this Notice of Apparent Liability for Forfeiture (NAL), we propose a penalty of $20,000 against Robert Bekune (Bekune) for operating an unauthorized radio station, known as Powerhouse Radio on 98.5 MHz in Irvington, New Jersey (Station), by which Bekune apparently willfully and knowingly did, caused, or suffered to be done pirate radio broadcasting on January 21, 2025. Operating an unauthorized, or pirate, radio station is illegal under the Communications Act of 1934, as amended (Communications Act or Act),2 and undermines the primary mission of the Federal Communications Commission (FCC or Commission) to manage radio spectrum. Such illegal operations can interfere with licensed communications, including authorized broadcasts and communications by public safety entities. Moreover, such illegal operations pose a danger to the public because they interfere with licensed stations that inform their listeners of important public safety messages, including Emergency Alert System transmissions that provide vital information regarding weather events and other dangers to the public. II. BACKGROUND A. Legal Framework 2. On January 24, 2020, Congress passed the Preventing Illegal Radio Abuse Through Enforcement Act (PIRATE Act), which was subsequently codified as section 511 of the Communications Act.3 Section 511 states that any person who willfully and knowingly does, causes or suffers to be done any pirate radio broadcasting shall be subject to a fine of not more than $2,000,000 and not more than $100,000 for each day during which such offense occurs.

01-08-2026 -The FCC has updated its authority to exempt certain drones from restrictions and has released additional FAQs regarding these changes. This update allows for the operation of specific UAS and UAS components that are deemed not to pose national security risks. For more detailed information, you can refer to the official FCC updates and FAQs available on their website.

01-08-2026 - The Federal Communications Commission’s (FCC or Commission) Public Safety and Homeland Security Bureau (PSHSB) maintains a list of equipment and services (Covered List) that have been determined to “pose an unacceptable risk to the national security of the United States or the security and safety of United States persons.” Secure and Trusted Communications Networks Act of 2019, Pub. L. No. 116-124, 133 Stat. 158 (2020) (codified as amended at 47 U.S.C. §§ 1601-1609) (Secure Networks Act); 47 CFR §§ 1.50002, 1.50003. For the current version of the Covered List, see Federal Communications Commission, List of Equipment and Services Covered By Section 2 of The Secure Networks Act.

01-07-2026 - WASHINGTON, January 7, 2026—Today, FCC Chairman Brendan Carr announced that the FCC will vote this month on an Order to enhance unlicensed use in the 6 GHz band. Specifically, the FCC will vote to create a new category of unlicensed devices—GVP devices—that can operate outdoors and at higher power than previously authorized devices. As the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) kicks off this week in Las Vegas, the FCC’s action today in 6 GHz promises more jaw-dropping innovations and massive consumer benefits for years to come, driving growth in wireless, IoT, and related industries. GVP devices will support high data rates suitable for AR/VR, short-range hotspots, automation, and indoor navigation. GVP devices will overcome limitations of previous device classes by allowing higher power and outdoor mobility.

12-22-2025 - Federal Communications Commission DA 25-1091

Before the
FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20554

In the Matter of

Incarcerated People’s Communications Services; Implementation of the Martha Wright-Reed Act

Rates for Interstate Inmate Calling Services

WC Docket No. 23-62

WC Docket No. 12-375

ORDER

Adopted: December 19, 2025 Released: December 19, 2025

Revised Comment Date: February 3, 2026
Revised Reply Comment Date: March 5, 2026

By the Chief, Wireline Competition Bureau:

1. By this Order, the Wireline Competition Bureau (Bureau), grants the National Sheriffs’ Association’s Motion for Extension of Time National Sheriffs’ Association, Motion for Extension of Time, WC Docket Nos. 23-62 and 12-375 (filed Dec. 15, 2025) (National Sheriffs’ Association Motion).

to file comments and reply comments in response to the Incarcerated People’s Communications Services; Implementation of the Martha Wright-Reed Act; Rates for Interstate Inmate Calling Services, Report and Order, Order on Reconsideration, and Further Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (2025 IPCS Order and FNPRM or 2025 IPCS FNPRM). Incarcerated People’s Communications Services; Implementation of the Martha Wright-Reed Act; Rates for Interstate Inmate Calling Services, WC Docket Nos. 23-62 and 12-375, Report and Order, Order on Reconsideration, and Further Notice of Proposed Rulemaking, FCC 25-75 (rel. Nov. 6, 2025) (2025 IPCS Order and FNPRM or 2025 IPCS FNPRM).

For the reasons stated below, the Bureau finds that the requested extensions of the comment and reply comment deadlines are warranted and thus extends both the comment and reply comment deadlines for all commenters to February 3, 2026, and March 5, 2026, respectively. 2. On November 6, 2025, the Federal Communications Commission (Commission) released the 2025 IPCS Order and FNPRM. The 2025 IPCS FNPRM was published in the Federal Register on December 5, 2025, establishing a comment filing deadline of January 5, 2025, and a reply comment filing deadline of February 3, 2026. Federal Communications Commission, Incarcerated People’s Communications Services; Implementation of the Martha Wright-Reed Act; Rates for Interstate Inmate Calling Services, 90 Fed. Reg. 56115 (Dec. 5, 2025).

3. On December 15, 2025, the National Sheriffs’ Association filed a Motion for Extension of Time to submit comments and reply comments on the 2025 IPCS FNPRM. See generally National Sheriffs’ Association Motion. The National Sheriffs’ Association requests additional time to gather input from its member organizations prior to filing its comments and explains that the current deadlines, which coincide with “one of the most significant holiday periods of the year,” make that process “exceptionally difficult.” National Sheriffs’ Association Motion at 1.

In particular, the National Sheriffs’ Association states that it is conducting a survey of its members to collect updated facility cost data in response to the Commission’s request for comment in this proceeding and seeks extension of the comment and reply comment deadlines to allow sufficient time to complete that effort.

4. Section 1.46 of the Commission’s rules states that “extensions of time shall not be routinely granted.” 47 CFR § 1.46.

In this instance, we find good cause to grant the National Sheriffs’ Association’s motion. The requested extension would allow the National Sheriffs’ Association “to continue its survey effort and achieve a more robust response rate [which would] directly serve[ ] the Commission’s interest in establishing just and reasonable permanent rates on a well-developed record.” National Sheriffs’ Association Motion at 3.

The National Sheriffs’ Association also asserts that the 30-day extension it requests “would not prejudice any party or impede the Commission’s ability to resolve this proceeding in a timely manner.” Id.

5. In the 2025 IPCS FNPRM the Commission seeks comment on complex issues relating to permanent audio and video IPCS rate caps, including comment on the adoption of permanent rate additives for correctional facility cost recovery. 2025 IPCS FNPRM at 48-50, paras. 103-107.

Given the federal holidays that will occur during the current comment cycle, the increase in overlapping comment cycles in other proceedings during the same period due to the government shutdown, See Revisions to Deadlines Following Resumption of Normal Operations, Public Notice, DA 25-943 (rel. Nov. 17, 2025).

and the complexity of the issues raised in this proceeding, we find that the public interest will be served by granting the limited extension of the comment and reply comment deadlines as requested, to give all interested parties sufficient time to develop comments that will enable a more informed decision by the Commission.

6. Accordingly, IT IS ORDERED, that the Motion For Extension of Time filed by the National Sheriffs’ Association on December 15, 2025 to extend the deadlines for filing comments and reply comments on the 2025 IPCS FNPRM is GRANTED as described herein.

7. IT IS FURTHER ORDERED, that pursuant to section 4(i)-(j) of the Communications Act of 1934, as amended, 47 U.S.C. § 154(i)-(j), and sections 0.91, 0.291, and 1.46 of the Commission’s rules, 47 CFR §§ 0.91, 0.291, 1.46, the deadlines to file comments and reply comments in response to the 2025 IPCS FNPRM in the above-captioned dockets ARE EXTENDED to February 3, 2026, and March 5, 2026, respectively.

8. IT IS FURTHER ORDERED, that pursuant to section 1.102(b)(1) of the Commission’s rules, 47 CFR § 1.102(b)(1), this Order SHALL BE EFFECTIVE upon release.

FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION

Joseph S. Calascione
Chief
Wireline Competition Bureau

12-12-2025 - Chairman Carr Applauds President Trump’s Executive Order on AI FCC to Initiate Proceeding Examining Federal Reporting and Disclosure Standard - WASHINGTON, December 12, 2025—Yesterday, President Donald J. Trump signed an historic Executive Order, titled Ensuring a National Policy Framework for Artificial Intelligence. The E.O. promotes America’s leadership in AI and ensures our national and economic security. It does so through several actions, including directing the Chairman of the FCC to initiate a proceeding to determine whether to adopt a Federal reporting and disclosure standard for AI models that preempts conflicting State laws. Chairman Carr issued the following statement: “President Trump’s historic Executive Order on artificial intelligence promotes America’s leadership in AI and advances our nation’s economic and national security interests. It does so by targeting excessive state regulations that would not only hold America back but insert ideological bias into AI models. President Trump’s decisive action also ensures a policy framework that protects children, prevents online censorship, respects copyrights, and safeguards communities.

12-11-2025 - IN THE MATTER OF AMERICAN PUBLIC MEDIA GROUP, PARENT OF MINNESOTA PUBLIC RADIO D/B/A AMERICAN PUBLIC MEDIA, SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA PUBLIC RADIO. FCC Enforcement Bureau settles with American Public Media Group (APMG) for impermissibly transmitting EAS tones during an episode of the program BBC Witness History. APMG will pay a voluntary contribution and enter into a compliance plan.. Action by: Acting Chief, Enforcement Bureau. Adopted: 2025-12-10 by Consent Decree. (DA No. 25-1035). EB.

12-10-2025 - IN THE MATTER OF AMENDMENT OF THE COMMISSION'S RULES REGARDING IMPLEMENTATION OF THE FINAL ACTS OF THE WORLD RADIOCOMMUNICATION CONFERENCE (SHARM EL-SHEIKH, 2019) (WRC-19), REVISION TO TABLE MOUNTAIN RADIO QUIET ZONE FIELD STRENGTH LIMITS . The Commission proposes to amend parts 2 and 25 of its rules to implement in the U.S. Table specific allocation decisions from the WRC 19 Final Acts concerning portions of the radio spectrum between 495 kHz and 50.9 GHz, and make other allocation changes.. (Dkt No 23-121). Action by: The Commission. Adopted: 2025-09-12 by NPRM. (FCC No. 25-59). OET.

12-10-2025 - IN THE MATTER OF AMENDMENT OF THE COMMISSION'S RULES REGARDING IMPLEMENTATION OF THE FINAL ACTS OF THE WORLD RADIOCOMMUNICATION CONFERENCE (GENEVA, 2015) (WRC-15), OTHER ALLOCATION ISSUES, AND RELATED RULE UPDATES . The Commission amends the U.S. Table in its rules to implement certain radiofrequency allocation decisions in the Final Acts of the International Telecommunication Union World Radiocommunication Conference 2015, and make other allocation changes.. (Dkt No 23-120). Action by: The Commission. Adopted: 2025-09-23 by R&O. (FCC No. 25-60). OET.

12-05-2025 - IN THE MATTER OF CHINA MOBILE HONG KONG COMPANY LIMITED. The Enforcement Bureau orders China Mobile to cure the deficiencies in their Robocall Mitigation Database (RMD) certifications and notify EB that the deficiencies have been cured, or explain why EB should not remove its certification from the RMD.. Action by: Acting Chief, Enforcement Bureau. Adopted: 2025-12-08 by ORDER. (DA No. 25-1020). EB.