FCC Releases October Open Meeting Tentative Agenda

On October 8, 2026, the FCC released the Tentative Agenda for the October Open Meeting, scheduled for October 29, 2026 at 10:30 AM.  The Commission is tentatively scheduled to consider the following items:

• Auctioning Off 25 Megahertz of Prime, Mid-Band Spectrum – The Commission will consider a Further Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (FNPRM) that would unlock 25 megahertz of prime mid-band spectrum for advanced commercial communications services, including terrestrial, direct-to-device (D2D), or a hybrid of both.  The rules proposed in this item, if adopted, would enable the auctioning, licensing, and rapid development of the 1675–1695 MHz and 2020–2025 MHz bands.  In particular, the FNPRM would propose and seek comment on policies, service and technical rules, and coordination requirements for the 1675–1695 MHz and 2020–2025 MHz bands.  (WT Docket No. 26-284, GN Docket No. 26-281, WT Docket No. 19-116) (FACT SHEET)
• Modernizing the Supplemental Coverage from Space Rules – The Commission will consider a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking that would modernize the Commission’s rules for Direct-to-Device (D2D) services in licensed spectrum.  The rules proposed in this item, if adopted, would make an additional 482 megahertz of spectrum available for Supplemental Coverage from Space (SCS), eliminate burdensome SCS requirements, and consider measures to modernize and harmonize the SCS and the Mobile Satellite Service (MSS) rules.  (GN Docket Nos. 26-281, 23-65) (FACT SHEET)
• Unlocking the 800 MHz Cellular Band for Drone Use – The Commission will consider a Report and Order (R&O) that would eliminate an outdated restriction that prevents drone operations in the 800 MHz Cellular band.  The R&O would unlock 50 megahertz of licensed, nationwide, low-band spectrum for drone use and promote parity with other similar flexible-use bands.  (GN Docket No. 26-74, WT Docket Nos. 22-323, 24-629) (FACT SHEET)
• Prohibiting Test Labs and Certification Bodies in Non-Reciprocal Countries – The Commission will consider a Third Report and Order and Third Further Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (FNPRM) aimed to strengthen the integrity, security, and resiliency of the FCC’s equipment authorization program by prohibiting the recognition of Test Labs, Telecommunications Certification Bodies, and laboratory accreditation bodies located in non-Reciprocal Economies, which are territories lacking a Mutual Recognition Agreement or other comparable reciprocal trade agreement with the United States.  It would also require all substantive FCC testing, certification, and accreditation activities on which equipment authorization depends, to occur in the U.S. or Reciprocal Economies.  The item would adopt a uniform transition period ending December 1, 2028, that would enable Test Labs to expand capacity and manufacturers in the U.S. and Reciprocal Economies two years to find alternative Test Labs and expand capacity.  The accompanying FNPRM would seek comment on a range of additional equipment authorization integrity measures.  (ET Docket No. 24-136) (FACT SHEET)
• Strengthening the Security of U.S. Telecommunications Services and Infrastructure – The Commission will consider a Report and Order and Further Notice of Proposed Rulemaking that would modernize the Commission’s international section 214 framework to strengthen protections for U.S. telecommunications services and infrastructure, while reducing unnecessary regulatory burdens.  (IB Docket No. 23-119, MD Docket No. 23-134) (FACT SHEET)
• Implementing the Rural Broadband Protection Act – The Commission will consider a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking that, if adopted, would seek comment on proposals for implementing the Rural Broadband Protection Act (RBPA).  The RBPA, enacted on May 11, 2026, directs the Commission to initiate a rulemaking proceeding within 180 days to establish a vetting process for applicants for, and other recipients of, a new covered funding award, which the Notice interprets as an award of high-cost support based on an application for funding to support the deployment of a broadband-capable network and the provision of supported services over the network.  (WC Docket Nos. 10-90, 26-96, 26-288) (FACT SHEET)

• Eliminating Accessibility Barriers – The Commission will consider a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking to modernize its accessibility rules to keep pace with the rapidly changing communications landscape, promote innovation, better match consumer expectations, and remove barriers to accessibility.  (CG Docket Nos. 10-213, 03-123; GN Docket No. 21-140) (FACT SHEET)

Chairman Carr also released a blog post on the upcoming meeting.

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