Federal Communications Commission Chairman Brendan Carr has released the tentative agenda for the April Open Commission Meeting set for Thursday, April 30, 2026. The lineup reflects ongoing priorities in expanding broadband access, strengthening consumer protections against unwanted calls, bolstering national security in communications infrastructure, enhancing program integrity for school and library connectivity, and improving emergency information accessibility. These items build on the commission’s efforts to adapt regulatory frameworks to rapid technological changes while safeguarding American interests in an increasingly connected world.
The first item focuses on modernizing spectrum sharing for satellite broadband. Commissioners will consider a Report and Order aimed at promoting more efficient use of spectrum between geostationary and non-geostationary satellite systems. Decades-old rules governing how these systems coexist have not kept pace with advancements in satellite technology and operational practices. Updating the framework could enable expanded services, higher capacity, faster speeds, and greater reliability for consumers across the United States, particularly in underserved rural and remote areas where satellite broadband serves as a vital lifeline. By accounting for contemporary innovations, the changes seek to unlock substantial economic benefits and foster competition in the broadband market, ultimately delivering more affordable and robust internet options to American households and businesses.
Another key proposal addresses the persistent challenge of illegal robocalls. The commission plans to examine a Further Notice of Proposed Rulemaking that would strengthen existing Know-Your-Customer requirements for originating providers. This initiative would gather input on the specific types of information providers must collect from customers prior to allowing calls, along with improved methods for verifying that data. Discussions would also explore adjustments to penalties for violations, ensuring they align more closely with the level of harm caused to consumers. These enhancements aim to close existing gaps in the regulatory structure, imposing more rigorous safeguards that go beyond general obligations and directly target the sources of fraudulent and nuisance calling campaigns. With robocalls continuing to frustrate millions of Americans and enable various scams, tighter controls at the origination point could significantly reduce the volume of unwanted and illegal traffic traversing the nation’s telephone networks.
National security remains a central theme in the agenda. Commissioners will review a Second Report and Order, Order on Reconsideration, and Second Further Notice of Proposed Rulemaking designed to reinforce the integrity and security of the equipment authorization program for electronic devices. The measures would introduce incentives for testing and certification conducted in trusted facilities located in the United States or allied nations, including a streamlined fast-track review process for qualifying applications. Additional steps would update post-market surveillance procedures, strengthen enforcement capabilities, and create secure channels for industry stakeholders to report potential violations or emerging concerns. These actions seek to mitigate risks from untrusted supply chains and promote reciprocity in global testing standards, thereby protecting critical communications infrastructure from potential vulnerabilities or foreign influence.
In a related effort to safeguard domestic telecommunications, the commission will consider a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking that proposes excluding entities appearing on the Covered List from providing domestic interstate telecommunications services under blanket authority granted by section 214 of the Communications Act. The item would also invite public comment on additional potential exclusions from such authority and other complementary safeguards. This proposal continues the commission’s broader initiative to shield the nation’s telecommunications networks from entities deemed to pose unacceptable security risks, ensuring that core services remain resilient against threats that could compromise data, operations, or national interests.
The agenda includes steps to improve the administration of the E-Rate program, which supports connectivity for schools and libraries. Commissioners will evaluate a Report and Order and Order on Reconsideration that establishes a new competitive bidding portal for use by applicants and service providers. The portal would facilitate the procurement process starting in funding year 2028, promoting greater transparency and fairness in how funds are allocated. Accompanying proposals would streamline and simplify various program procedures, reducing administrative burdens while maintaining strong oversight to prevent waste, fraud, and abuse. By modernizing these processes, the commission aims to ensure that limited universal service resources reach educational institutions more efficiently, helping bridge the digital divide and equipping students and communities with reliable high-speed internet essential for learning and opportunity in the 21st century.
Finally, the meeting will address accessibility for individuals with visual impairments during emergencies. A Third Further Notice of Proposed Rulemaking would seek to amend the Audible Crawl Rule by removing a provision that has proven technically challenging to implement. At the same time, the changes would preserve and potentially enhance the delivery of critical emergency information through audio means, guaranteeing that people who are blind or have low vision continue to receive timely alerts about weather events, public safety threats, and other urgent situations. This balanced approach recognizes the importance of technological feasibility while upholding the commission’s commitment to inclusive communications during times of crisis.
Collectively, these agenda items demonstrate the Federal Communications Commission’s focus on fostering innovation, protecting consumers, securing infrastructure, and promoting equitable access to communications services. The April 30 meeting will provide an opportunity for commissioners to deliberate on these proposals, with public drafts expected to be available in advance for review. Outcomes from the session could shape the regulatory landscape for satellite services, voice communications, device approvals, telecommunications authorizations, educational funding, and emergency broadcasting for years to come. As technology evolves and new challenges emerge, such targeted updates help ensure that federal communications policy remains responsive to the needs of American consumers and the demands of a dynamic global environment. The commission’s work in these areas underscores a dedication to building resilient networks that support economic growth, public safety, and national security priorities.
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