Hammer Down

Earlier this year, the FCC banged the gavel and closed out our first spectrum auction in nearly 4 years. Bringing that one home was part of a broader effort we are undertaking to reinvigorate the agency's work on a wide range of spectrum matters. We are working to ensure that next-gen technologies-from D2D and drones to 5G and 6G offerings have the spectrum resources they need to advance U.S. leadership. This month, we're continuing to push ahead with a packed agenda-from kicking off the process for another spectrum auction to supercharging wireless competition and making more good progress on national security, consumer protection, and rural broadband.

First up, we will be voting to start the process for another new spectrum auction. Specifically, we will be voting on a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking to auction off 25 megahertz of prime, mid-band spectrum in the 1675-1695 MHz and 2020-2025 MHz bands. Our groundbreaking proposal would auction spectrum that could be used flexibly for 5G, D2D, or a combination of both.

Second, and speaking of D2D, the FCC has been working to put a regulatory framework in place that supports this emerging industry segment. That is why we are voting on a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking to modernize our supplemental coverage from space (SCS) rules. Originally adopted in 2024, our SCS framework has allowed wireless carriers to lease their spectrum to satellite providers for D2D in the most remote areas. But it's become clear in recent years that the rules need a major refresh. So, this month, we will consider a plan to make more spectrum available for leasing, while cutting down regulatory barriers to deal flow and secondary-market transactions.

Third, we are undertaking a big push this year to unleash American drone dominance, which is key to our economic and national security. Just last week I had the chance to visit Dracoe's new manufacturing plant in Aberdeen, NC with Chairman Richard Hudson where they are designing and producing small drones and components used for defense and counter-drone training. To open the path for even more American drone companies, we will vote on an Order to open a huge swath of spectrum for commercial drone operations. This item advances the FCC's efforts to promote U.S. drone leadership by modernizing a rule that has unintentionally prevented drones from operating in the 800 MHz band. Our decision furthers President Trump's call for American drone dominance by eliminating a restriction that has foreclosed access to 50 megahertz of low-band spectrum.

Fourth on the agenda, we continue to support our spectrum actions with national security in mind. Following President Trump's leadership to restore reciprocity in American foreign policy and international commerce, we will vote on an Order to prohibit test labs and certification bodies in non-reciprocal countries. These rules will ensure the integrity and security of our electronic device testing. The devices we rely on like our smartphones, earbuds, and vehicle control systems all need FCC equipment authorization to enter the U.S. market. Many of these devices have to be tested and certified by test labs to ensure consumer safety, network reliability, and national security. While the FCC places no restrictions on where test labs can be located, other countries often deny reciprocal treatment to U.S.-based test labs, an unfair trade practice that has led to the steady gutting and offshoring of the U.S. testing industry to non-reciprocal jurisdictions. As the chart below shows, in 2025, 82% of electronics are tested in a single country that refuses to recognize U.S. labs.

We will also be voting on an Order to strengthen the security of international telecommunications carriers who have or apply to have international section 214 licenses. To advance border security, the new rules will strengthen our governance of cross-border facilities. The order also updates a range of other rules covering foreign ownership reporting, third-party access, cybersecurity, supply chains, and more. These new rules have been tailored to minimize undue and costly burdens for carriers. The Commission will also vote on a Further Notice of Proposed Rulemaking that seeks comment on a range of additional application requirements and routine conditions to bolster telecom security.

Next up, and consistent with the directives of the Rural Broadband Protection Act of 2025, the Commission will seek comment on proposals that would establish a vetting process for applications for, and other recipients of, certain new funding awards of high-cost support. Specifically, we seek comment on proposals that would require companies to prove they have the technical, financial, and operational ability to provide broadband services, consistent with the RBPA.

Finally, the Commission seeks comment on modernizing its accessibility rules in light of advancements in the communications marketplace. The Notice of Proposed Rulemaking uses a first principles approach and asks how to address any existing marketplace or regulatory barriers that could hinder the accessibility of new technologies or services, as well as market developments that may render old rules no longer necessary.