News Update - Broadband & Telecom - October 2025
FCC Expected To Rescind January 2025 CALEA Cybersecurity Declaratory Ruling & NPRM
October 30, 2025 – During the Federal Communications Commission’s November 20, 2025, open meeting, the FCC is expected to approve an Order On Reconsideration that would rescind two cybersecurity actions issued by the prior FCC – A January 2025 Declaratory Ruling and Notice Of Proposed Rulemaking. The Order on Recon will replace the Declaratory Ruling and NPRM with “an agile and collaborative approach to protecting the nation from cyberattacks,” which is generally described as follows:
Following these FCC engagements with carriers, providers agreed this year to take “extensive, urgent, and coordinated efforts to mitigate operational risks, protect consumers, and preserve national security interests” against the range of cyberattacks that target their networks. In particular, through a collaborative approach, providers have agreed to implement additional cybersecurity controls to harden their networks. These controls have included accelerated patching of outdated or vulnerable equipment, updating and reviewing access controls, disabling unnecessary outbound connections, and improving their threat-hunting efforts. Providers have also committed to increased cybersecurity information sharing, both with the federal government and within the communications sector. This represents a significant change in cybersecurity practices compared to the measures in place in January.
In January 2025, the Rosenworcel FCC issued a Declaratory Ruling pronouncing that Section 105 of the Communications Assistance for Law Enforcement Act (CALEA) affirmatively requires telecommunications carriers to secure their networks from unlawful access or interception of communications. The accompanying Notice Of Proposed Rulemaking sought comment on implementing a requirement that communications service providers create, update, and implement cybersecurity risk management plans and annually certify compliance with those plans to the FCC. The NPRM also sought comment on expanding cybersecurity requirements across a range of communications providers, and identifying additional ways to enhance cybersecurity defenses for communications systems. According to the FCC, both items were an effort to address vulnerabilities in U.S. telecommunications networks that were exposed following the Salt Typhoon cyberattack, a sophisticated intrusion linked to foreign state-sponsored actors.
FCC Announces Tentative Agenda For November 20th Open Meeting
October 30, 2025 – Federal Communications Commission Chairman Brendan Carr has announced the following tentative agenda for the FCC’s next open meeting scheduled for Thursday, November 20, 2025:
Freeing Up Large Swath of Upper C-band Frequencies – The Commission will consider a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking that explores options for reconfiguring the Upper C-band (3.98 GHz to 4.2 GHz) in the contiguous United States, in furtherance of Congress’ direction in the One Big Beautiful Bill Act. (GN Docket No. 25-59)
Modernizing Telecommunications Relay Services – The Commission will consider a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking that would seek comment on terminating the mandatory status of TTY-based relay service for state-based TRS programs; facilitate the transition of analog TRS users to Internet-based forms of TRS; propose and seek comment on recognizing IP STS as a compensable form of TRS; explore certifying a national analog relay provider; and seek comment on streamlining TRS provider certification and data collection processes, updating or eliminating obsolete rules, and closing an outdated docket. (CG Docket Nos. 03-123, 08-15)
Delete, Delete, Delete – The Commission will consider as part of the Delete, Delete, Delete proceeding a Direct Final Rule that would move to delete approximately 21 rules and requirements that have sunset by operation of law; govern an expired event; regulate an obsolete technology; are no longer used in practice by the FCC or licensees; or are otherwise duplicative, outdated, or unnecessary. (GN Docket No. 25-133)
Protecting the Nation’s Communications Systems from Cybersecurity Threats – The Commission will consider an Order on Reconsideration that advances an agile and collaborative approach to protecting the nation from cyberattacks by rescinding an unlawful and ineffective January 2025 Declaratory Ruling and NPRM. (PS Docket No. 22-329)
The FCC’s November 20, 2025 open meeting is scheduled to commence at 10:30 a.m. ET in the Commission Meeting Room of the Federal Communications Commission, 45 L Street, N.E., Washington, D.C. The meeting is open to the public, but the FCC headquarters building is not open access, and all guests must check in with and be screened by FCC security at the main entrance on L Street. All FCC open meetings are streamed live at www.fcc.gov/live.
FCC Releases NPRM On IP Interconnection Issues – FCC Proposes To Forbear From ILEC-Specific Interconnection Obligations In Sections 251(C)(2) And (C)(6) And To Eliminate FCC Implementing Rules
October 29, 2025 – The Federal Communications Commission (FCC or Commission) has released a Notice Of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) that considers revisions to incumbent local exchange carrier (LEC)-specific interconnection requirements. Comments are due 30 days after the NPRM is published in the Federal Register. Reply comments are due 60 days after publication. In the NPRM, the FCC seeks comment on the following issues and proposed revisions:
What is the current state of TDM and IP interconnection for voice services;
The FCC proposal to forbear from incumbent LEC-specific interconnection and related obligations in Sections 251(c)(2) and (c)(6) of the Communications Act of 1934, and the proposal to eliminate its rules implementing those statutory provisions, by December 31, 2028;
Whether and to what extent eliminating the incumbent LEC-specific interconnection regulatory framework may affect other statutory frameworks or FCC rules;
Whether the FCC should revisit any other provisions or rules that are rendered redundant by the elimination of incumbent LECs’ interconnection obligations in section 251(c)(2);
What, if any, regulatory framework for IP interconnection should replace the current interconnection framework under section 251(c)(2), and on the scope of the Commission’s authority to regulate IP interconnection under any such framework; and
To the extent that a regulatory framework governing interconnection for IP voice services is necessary, what is the best authority under which the Commission could or should adopt rules or requirements to govern IP interconnection for voice services, and which authority is most consistent with the statute as a whole.
FCC Chairman Circulates NPRM On Upper C-Band Spectrum Auction
October 29, 2025 – Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Chairman Brendan Carr has circulated a draft Notice of Proposed Rulemaking to his fellow FCC Commissioners on auctioning additional mid-band spectrum in the Upper C-Band. Specifically, the NPRM, if approved and released, will seek comment on a range of auction options, including auctioning up to 180 megahertz of spectrum in the 3.98-4.2 GHz band for next-gen wireless services. The Commission’s ultimate goal for the Upper C-Band auction is to maximize the amount of spectrum to be repurposed as generational aviation safety upgrades occur in the adjacent spectrum band. The FCC’s press release contains the following additional information on the proposals in the NPRM:
In 2020, the Commission successfully auctioned the Lower C-band (3.7-3.98 GHz) for flexible wireless use, bringing enhanced 5G to countless communities. Earlier this year, Chairman Carr advanced a Notice of Inquiry seeking stakeholder input on options for building on this earlier success by making more intensive use of the Upper C-band. Today’s draft Notice pushes for the release of more spectrum through an eventual auction in the Upper C-band, by generally applying the existing 3.7 GHz Service rules to any new terrestrial wireless operations, and with any other rules and requirements modeled to the greatest extent possible on the Lower C-band transition.
Specifically, the Notice seeks comment on options for reconfiguring the Upper C-band in the contiguous United States ranging from 180 megahertz (3.98–4.16 GHz) to the congressionally mandated minimum of 100 megahertz (3.98–4.08 GHz) for terrestrial wireless use. In so doing, it seeks comment on how much Upper C-band spectrum, beyond the minimum required, could be repurposed and how the transition could be effectuated. The Notice also seeks comment on ways in which to promote co-existence with adjacent band radio altimeters, as well as on a range of other issues associated with repurposing some portion of the Upper C-band, from competitive bidding procedures for an eventual auction, to licensing, operating, and technical rules for any new wireless services, among other topics.
NTIA Assistant Secretary Outlines NTIA Oversight Of BEAD Program – No USF For BEAD Sub-Awardees, No State Rate Regulation, BEAD Will Be Last Federal Broadband Program
October 28, 2025 – The head of the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA), Arielle Roth, gave a speech at The Hudson Institute titled Making BEAD Work: How NTIA Is Working to Minimize Defaults and Deliver Universal Broadband. The speech outlined how NTIA will continue its oversight role of the BEAD program after NTIA approves states’ final plans and individual BEAD awards. Specifically, NTIA will focus on preventing BEAD sub-awardees from defaulting on their grant-funded projects. Also, NTIA will ensure that states are exercising proper oversight by requiring states to include certain contractual provisions in their BEAD grant contracts with sub-awardees. Some of the key points in Assistant Secretary Roth’s speech, within the quotation marks, are included below:
Fixed Wireless & LEO Satellite Technology – “Take for example, unlicensed fixed wireless. Once viewed as an unreliable service, unlicensed fixed wireless is now using breakthrough technology that can deliver reliable, high-speed broadband even in non-line of sight environments. Or, the evolution of LEO satellite technology, that has gone from achieving speeds of 100/20 Mbps to now demonstrating the capability of delivering gigabit speeds. These advancements would not have been possible if the market wasn’t challenged to find alternative solutions.”
The BEAD Program Should Be The Last Federal Broadband Funding Program – “Being good stewards of taxpayer money means holding awardees accountable and making sure those who take taxpayer dollars will deliver on their promises. That is what will set BEAD apart and ensure that this really is the last broadband funding program.”
NTIA Will Require States To exempt BEAD Sub-Awardees From Rate Regulation & Net Neutrality Requirements – “Consistent with the law, which explicitly prohibits regulating the rates charged for broadband service, NTIA is making clear that states cannot impose rate regulation on the BEAD program. To protect the BEAD investment, we are clarifying that BEAD providers must be protected throughout their service area in a state, while the provider is still within its BEAD period of performance. Specifically, any state receiving BEAD funds must exempt BEAD providers throughout their state footprint, from broadband-specific economic regulations, such as price regulation and net neutrality.”
The BEAD Program Should Be The Last Major Federal Broadband Investment – “BEAD projects are inherently risky. These are the hardest-to-serve areas in the country—the ones the private sector didn’t reach even with earlier federal programs. But BEAD is likely to be the last major federal broadband investment—as it should be—and providers that are banking on future subsidies to stay afloat, are setting themselves, and their communities, up to fail.”
No USF Support For BEAD-Funded Projects – “To protect BEAD from such risks, NTIA will require states to have providers certify in writing that they will not require or take additional federal subsidies—including operational subsidies—to complete or operate their BEAD projects. Those unwilling to make that commitment will not get an award. Their proposed service areas will instead go to entities that can and will deliver.”
FCC Issues National Security Advisory On Prohibited Communications Equipment And Services
October 14, 2025 – The Federal Communications Commission has issued a National Security Advisory to remind service providers and the public that communications equipment and services on the FCC’s Covered List have been determined to pose unacceptable risks to the national security of the United States and its citizens because they are closely tied to the foreign adversaries. The use, importation, marketing, sale, provision, or receipt of communications equipment and services on the FCC’s Covered List may threaten American national security, as may interconnection with such equipment or services. The FCC’s Covered List currently includes the following equipment and services:
Huawei Technologies Company – Telecommunications equipment produced by Huawei Technologies Company, including telecommunications or video surveillance services provided by such entity or using such equipment.
ZTE Corporation – Telecommunications equipment produced by ZTE Corporation, including telecommunications or video surveillance services provided by such entity or using such equipment.
Hytera Communications Corporation – Video surveillance and telecommunications equipment produced by Hytera Communications Corporation, to the extent it is used for the purpose of public safety, security of government facilities, physical security surveillance of critical infrastructure, and other national security purposes, including telecommunications or video surveillance services provided by such entity or using such equipment.
Hangzhou Hikvision Digital Technology Company – Video surveillance and telecommunications equipment produced by Hangzhou Hikvision Digital Technology Company, to the extent it is used for the purpose of public safety, security of government facilities, physical security surveillance of critical infrastructure, and other national security purposes, including telecommunications or video surveillance services provided by such entity or using such equipment.
Dahua Technology Company – Video surveillance and telecommunications equipment produced by Dahua Technology Company, to the extent it is used for the purpose of public safety, security of government facilities, physical security surveillance of critical infrastructure, and other national security purposes, including telecommunications or video surveillance services provided by such entity or using such equipment.
AO Kaspersky Lab – Information security products, solutions, and services supplied, directly or indirectly, by AO Kaspersky Lab or any of its predecessors, successors, parents, subsidiaries, or affiliates.
China Mobile International USA Inc. – International telecommunications services provided by China Mobile International USA Inc. subject to section 214 of the Communications Act of 1934.
China Telecom (Americas) Corp. – Telecommunications services provided by China Telecom (Americas) Corp. subject to section 214 of the Communications Act of 1934.
Pacific Networks Corp & ComNet (USA) LLC – International telecommunications services provided by Pacific Networks Corp and its wholly-owned subsidiary ComNet (USA) LLC subject to section 214 of the Communications Act of 1934.
China Unicom (Americas) Operations Limited – International telecommunications services provided by China Unicom (Americas) Operations Limited subject to section 214 of the Communications Act of 1934.
Kaspersky Lab, Inc. – Cybersecurity and anti-virus software produced or provided by Kaspersky Lab, Inc. or any of its successors and assignees, including equipment with integrated Kaspersky Lab, Inc. (or any of its successors and assignees) cybersecurity or anti-virus software.
FCC Announces Tentative Agenda For October 28th Open Meeting
October 7, 2025 – Federal Communications Commission Chairman Brendan Carr has announced the following tentative agenda for the FCC’s next open meeting scheduled for Tuesday, October 28, 2025:
Space Modernization for the 21st Century – The Commission will consider a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking that would propose overhauling the Commission’s rules for licensing space and earth stations to increase speed, predictability, and flexibility in order to support the American space economy. The Notice would propose replacing part 25 with a new rule part—part 100—that would create a “licensing assembly line” to process applications. (SB Docket No. 25-306)
Upper Microwave Flexible Use Service – The Commission will consider a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking that solicits comment on a variety of ways to encourage more intensive use of spectrum bands above 24 GHz that are shared between the terrestrial Upper Microwave Flexible Use Service (UMFUS) and the Fixed-Satellite Service (FSS). (SB Docket No. 25-305)
Protecting Against National Security Threats through the Equipment Authorization Program – The Commission will consider a Second Report and Order and Second Further Notice of Proposed Rulemaking to take the next important steps in modifying our equipment authorization program to protect our networks and communications supply chain against national security threats. (ET Docket No. 21-232)
Fifth Next Gen TV Further Notice – The Commission will consider a Further Notice of Proposed Rulemaking that seeks comment on steps to support and accelerate the nation’s ongoing voluntary, market-based broadcast television transition to Next Gen TV by removing regulatory obstacles and giving flexibility to broadcasters. (GN Docket No. 16-142)
IP Interconnection – The Commission will consider a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking that would examine the interconnection requirements imposed on incumbent local exchange carriers, and seek comment on ways the Commission can facilitate a successful transition to all-IP interconnection for voice services while retaining critical oversight in areas of public safety and consumer protection. (WC Docket Nos. 25-304, 25-208, 17-97)
Empowering Broadband Consumers Through Transparency – The Commission will consider a Further Notice of Proposed Rulemaking that would propose to eliminate certain broadband label requirements and seek comment on other ways to streamline the broadband label rules to reduce compliance burdens while preserving their consumer benefit. (CG Docket No. 22-2)
Improving Verification and Presentation of Caller Identification Information – The Commission will consider a Further Notice of Proposed Rulemaking and Public Notice that would propose to give consumers accurate caller name and other information to help them better understand who is calling and whether to answer the call; propose to simplify, streamline, or eliminate outdated robocalls requirements; and provide notice that the Commission intends to dismiss certain older petitions for reconsideration and applications for review related to the Telephone Consumer Protection Act. (CG Docket Nos. 17-59, 02-278, 25-307; WC Docket No. 17-97)
Incarcerated Persons Calling Services – The Commission will consider a Report and Order, Order on Reconsideration, and Notice of Proposed Rulemaking that would establish new interim audio and video IPCS rate caps and correctional facilities rate additives for correctional facility cost recovery, and seek comment on establishing permanent rate caps, permanent rate additives, and continued prohibitions on site commissions and separate ancillary service charges. (WC Docket Nos. 23-62, 12-375)
Deleting Obsolete and Duplicative Wireless Rules – The Commission will consider as part of the In re: Delete, Delete, Delete proceeding a Direct Final Rule that would move to delete approximately 400 primarily wireless-related rules and requirements that have sunset by operation of law; govern an expired event; regulate an obsolete technology; are no longer used in practice by the FCC or licensees; or are otherwise duplicative, outdated, or unnecessary. These rules pertain to a wide variety of now-defunct topics including regulatory reporting requirements, technology that is no longer used, and dates pertaining to transition plans, cost-sharing obligations, pilot programs, equipment requirements, and registration procedures that have long ago passed. (GN Docket No. 25-133)
The FCC’s October 28, 2025 open meeting is scheduled to commence at 10:30 a.m. ET in the Commission Meeting Room of the Federal Communications Commission, 45 L Street, N.E., Washington, D.C. The meeting is open to the public, but the FCC headquarters building is not open access, and all guests must check in with and be screened by FCC security at the main entrance on L Street. All FCC open meetings are streamed live at www.fcc.gov/live.
