Sunshine Act; Open Commission Meeting Thursday, August 6, 2026
The Commission will consider a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking that would explore new avenues to allow innovative unlicensed wireless devices to communicate directly with satellites. The item would propose and seek comment on use of certain frequencies available under part 15 of the Commission's rules for communications between Earth and space, including direct-to-device (D2D) services. The NPRM would also propose to clarify that use of part 15 unlicensed devices is permitted within FCC- authorized spacecraft, and seek comment on other scenarios where part 15 unlicensed devices may safely operate in space. 2....................................... Wireline Competition....... Title: Maximizing Efficiencies in Universal Service Administration (WC Docket No. 26-173). Summary: The Commission will consider a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking that would propose to strengthen the Commission's management and administration of the Universal Service Fund (USF) by reforming and improving USF administration processes, the structure of USF administration, operating costs associated with USF administration, and the impact of USAC's Board of Directors on USF administration. 3....................................... Media...................... Title: Amendment of Section 73.3555(e) of the Commission's Rules, National Television Multiple Ownership Rule (MB Docket No. 17-318). Summary: The Commission will consider a Report and Order that would remove artificial barriers to broadcast television's ability to attract capital and generate revenue, thus enabling broadcast television owners to better fulfill their public interest obligations, including through increased investment in local programming. The Report and Order also enables broadcast television station owners to expand their audience reach, gaining important leverage against national television networks. 4....................................... Wireline Competition....... Title: Promoting Telehealth in Rural America (WC Docket No. 17-310). Summary: The Commission will consider a Third Further Notice of Proposed Rulemaking and Order that would seek comment on several improvements to the Rural Health Care Program intended to reduce administrative burdens on program participants and better administer limited program funding given increased program participation and service costs. The accompanying Order would permit the use of previously approved rural rates for funding year 2027 that would otherwise require approval of a cost- based justification. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------