FCC to Vote on Satellite Spectrum, Unlicensed Ultra-Wideband Devices

FCC votes on station ownership caps
(Image credit: FCC via YouTube)

WASHINGTON—The Federal Communications Commission has announced a tentative agenda for its Wednesday, September 30, 2026 Open Meeting that will see the Commissioners consider such issues as satellite spectrum, unlicensed ultra-wideband (UWB) devices, environmental policy rules, 911 and other issues.

The meeting is scheduled to commence at 10:30 a.m. in the Commission Meeting Room of the Federal Communications Commission, 45 L Street, N.E., Washington, D.C.

Open Meetings are streamed live at: www.fcc.gov/live and on the FCC’s YouTube channel.

The regulator described the items on the agenda as follows:

  • Modernizing the Commission’s National Environmental Policy Act Rules (WT Docket No. 25-217). "The Commission will consider a Report and Order and Further Notice of Proposed Rulemaking to overhaul the Commission’s outdated National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) rules. These reforms will clarify the scope of Commission actions subject to environmental review and streamline and expedite the review process to ensure NEPA serves as a tool for informed decision-making rather than a barrier to investment, innovation, and connectivity."
  • Satellite Spectrum Abundance (SB Docket No. 25-180); Spectrum Abundance for Weird Space Stuff (SB Docket No. 26-54); Expanding Use of the 12.7-13.25 GHz Band for Mobile Broadband or Other Expanded Use (GN Docket No. 22-352); Shared Use of the 42-42.5 GHz Band (WT Docket No. 23-158); Use of Spectrum Bands Above 24 GHz for Mobile Radio Services (GN Docket No. 14-177). "The Commission will consider a Report and Order and Order of Proposed Modification and two Further Notices of Proposed Rulemaking that would increase the amount of spectrum available in order to support innovation in the American space economy. The Order would unlock more than 1,000 megahertz of spectrum in the 12.7 GHz and 42 GHz bands to provide greater capacity for satellite broadband to the home or for in-flight connectivity and the like. One FNPRM would seek comment on unlocking an additional 1,175 megahertz of spectrum in the Ku- and Ka-bands and 138.25 gigahertz in the D-band for more intensive use by satellite communications. The other FNPRM would seek comment on three new bands across thousands of megahertz that might be able to be used to control spacecraft or to provide data communications in support of emergent space activities, such as in-space servicing, assembly, and manufacturing."
  • Unleashing the Power of Unlicensed UWB Devices (ET Docket No. 26-245). "The Commission will consider a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking that would modernize the rules for unlicensed Ultra-Wideband (UWB) devices. UWB devices operate under part 15 of the Commission's rules and support a wide variety of applications, including automobile sensors, door locks, ground- and wall-penetrating radars, and location tracking for NFL players during games. The NPRM would modernize the UWB rules by updating definitions, measurement procedures, technical parameters, and outdated restrictions, while removing unnecessary coordination requirements. The NPRM would also create a new UWB device category for emerging applications like AI-enabled sensing and overall seek to future-proof UWB regulations for the next wave of innovation while maintaining protections for incumbent services."
  • Modernizing the 911 Framework (PS Docket No. 26-197). "The Commission will consider a Notice of Inquiry exploring modernization of the 911 framework to ensure the public can continue to effectively and reliably access emergency services in this era of rapid technological change."
  • Enhancing the Ability of Consumers to Control Which Calls That They Wish to Receive (CG Docket No. 02-278). "The Commission will consider a Report and Order and Further Notice of Proposed Rulemaking modernizing its Telephone Consumer Protection Act rules to ensure that consumers have easily accessible ways to opt-out of robocalls while streamlining callers’ ability to process consent revocation requests."

George Winslow is the senior content producer for TV Tech. He has written about the television, media and technology industries for nearly 30 years for such publications as Broadcasting & Cable, Multichannel News and TV Tech. Over the years, he has edited a number of magazines, including Multichannel News International and World Screen, and moderated panels at such major industry events as NAB and MIP TV. He has published two books and dozens of encyclopedia articles on such subjects as the media, New York City history and economics.