FCC Releases Agenda and Draft Proposals for April Open Commission Meeting

The FCC’s next open meeting with be on Monday, April 28, 2025, at 10:30 am EST (view live here). The Commission has released a tentative agenda for the meeting. The Commission will consider the following four rules during this meeting.

Modernizing Spectrum Sharing for Satellite Broadband – The Commission will propose a rule to revise the current power limits and spectrum sharing for geostationary and non-geostationary satellite operating systems. The FCC invites comments to inform the Commission on how satellite technology and operations have changed since the 1990s, when the current rules for satellite spectrum sharing were passed. Further, the Commission is requesting comments on the short- and long-term protection criteria that works with current networks.

Utilizing the Lower 37 GHz Band – The Commission will consider a rule establishing a licensing framework for use of the 37–37.6 GHz band (Lower 37 GHz band). The FCC is seeking to adopt a site-based licensing framework that would require non-federal users to obtain a nationwide non-exclusive license before registering a site in the Lower 37 GHz band. Businesses would need to begin construction and operation within 12 months of registration. This rule will establish a two-phased process for coordinating operations and give the military priority in the 37-37.2 GHz band.

Caller ID Authentication on Non-IP Networks to Block Robocalls – The Commission is proposing a rule that would establish criteria to determine whether non-Internet Protocol (IP) caller ID authentication frameworks are developed, reasonably available, and effective. The FCC is proposing to provide two years for providers that rely on non-IP technology to implement at least one non-IP caller ID authentication frameworks. Further, the FCC is proposing to require that voice service providers, gateway providers, and non-gateway intermediate providers implement non-IP caller ID authentication frameworks in their non-IP networks and certify in their Robocall Mitigation Database filings that they have implemented such frameworks.

Clarifying Foreign Ownership Rules -The Commission will consider a proposed rule that would set clear expectations about the Commission’s review of foreign investment in common carrier wireless, aeronautical radio, and broadcast licensees. The FCC aims to reduce unnecessary burdens on the industry while protecting the public interest. This rule proposes to codify existing policy to determine which entity is the controlling U.S. parent, permit an advanced approval policy, require identification of trusts and trustees, extend remedial procedures and methodology to privately held companies, added requirements on the content in remedial petitions, and clarify the U.S. residency requirements. The Commission is also seeking comments on how to alleviate any unnecessary regulatory burdens for foreign ownership review. Additionally, the Commission is asking broadcasters how the FCC should process applications and whether there are certain considerations unique to Noncommercial Education and Low Power FM Stations.

LIVE WEBCAST

Watch webcast on FCC.gov

CONTACT:

David Mullis

EMAIL:

David.Mullis@sba.gov or 202-830-2292.

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