News Update – Broadband & Telecom – April 2026
FCC Announces Industry Workshop On IP Transition – July 15 & 16
April 30, 2026 – The Federal Communications Commission has announced that it will host an industry workshop on July 15 and July 16, 2026 to discuss the FCC’s proposed reforms to IP interconnection, intercarrier compensation, and related legacy Universal Service Fund issues. The workshop will cover issues and proposals in the FCC’s two active IP transition proceedings: IP transition (1) IP Interconnection NPRM (FCC 25-73), and (2) All IP Future NPRM (FCC 26-11). The FCC invites industry experts and stakeholders to participate. The workshop will be free and open to the public at FCC headquarters in Washington, DC. The workshop will also be streamed live online at http://www.fcc.gov/live. Additional details regarding the workshop agenda and panelists will be provided in a future public notice.
FCC To Release NPRM On Updating USF High-Cost Program
April 29, 2026 – During its May 20 open meeting, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) will approve the release of a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (Notice) that seeks comment on updating the Universal Service Fund (USF) High-Cost Program. In general, the NPRM seeks comment on updating the legacy USF high-cost mechanisms, Connect America Fund Broadband Loop Support (CAF BLS) and High Cost Loop Support (HCLS), and potential next steps for the sunsetting Alternative Connect America Cost Model (A-CAM) I, Revised A-CAM I, and A-CAM II mechanisms. According to the FCC’s fact sheet, the Reforming the High Cost Program for an All-IP Future NPRM will do the following:
Seek comment on three potential paths forward for the legacy and A-CAM support mechanisms at issue in the item: (1) updating these mechanisms to align with the current landscape; (2) establishing a new, modernized fixed-support mechanism; or (3) maintaining the status quo for legacy support mechanisms and allowing the A-CAM support mechanisms to sunset.
Seek comment on the types of support that are necessary in areas where the carrier already provides service or where a competitor already provides service or will provide service pursuant to an enforceable commitment through a funding program such as the Broadband Equity Access and Deployment (BEAD) Program.
Seek comment on how the emergence of ubiquitous low-Earth orbit satellite service will affect the establishment of a new high-cost support mechanism. If the Commission were to modernize existing mechanisms, how should the Commission consider the presence of satellite service in areas receiving support under those mechanisms?
Seek comment on deployment obligations for USF support and on what support would be appropriate for carriers who currently receive legacy, A-CAM I, Revised A-CAM I, or A-CAM II support.
Seek comment on adopting a short-term A-CAM I extension from the end of 2026 through the end of 2028, thereby aligning the terms of the three sunsetting A-CAM mechanisms to all conclude at the end of 2028.
Seek further comment to refresh the record on proposals contained in the Commission’s 2023 Notice and seek comment on what role the USF can play in encouraging the IP transition, while also asking what sort of efficiency measures can be implemented to ensure that USF dollars are properly targeted.
FCC Announces Tentative Agenda For May 20 Opening Meeting
April 29, 2026 – Federal Communications Commission Chairman Brendan Carr has announced the following tentative agenda for the FCC’s May 20, 2026 open meeting:
Enhancing Know-Your-Upstream-Provider Requirements – The Commission will consider a Further Notice of Proposed Rulemaking that would propose to enhance the STIR/SHAKEN framework used by voice providers to combat illegal robocalls by improving know-your-upstream-provider (KYUP) requirements and oversight, raising standards for STIR/SHAKEN attestations, and closing implementation loopholes. (WC Docket No. 17-97; CG Docket No. 17-59)
Streamlining Broadband Data Processes and Reducing Unnecessary Regulatory Burdens –The Commission will consider a Report and Order and Further Notice of Proposed Rulemaking that would take several steps to streamline and improve the FCC’s Broadband Data Collection (BDC). This item would alleviate unnecessary regulatory burdens on service providers and challenge process participants by streamlining audits and verifications, improving challenge processes, and reducing regulatory burdens that add costs without a corresponding benefit to the quality of provider-reported data, all while ensuring that the data depicted on the National Broadband Map is accurate. (WC Docket Nos. 11-10, 19-195; GN Docket No. 25-133)
Modernizing the Disaster Information Reporting System (DIRS) – The Commission will consider a Third Report and Order to modernize DIRS by enhancing its capabilities while eliminating unnecessary reporting burdens. These actions will provide better information to emergency managers during disasters and allow communications service providers to focus their resources on service restoration instead of redundant paperwork at times when every second counts. (PS Docket Nos. 21-346, 15-80; ET Docket No. 04-35)
Launching ‘High-Cost’ Program Initiative – The Commission will consider a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking seeking comment on how a High-Cost Modernization initiative could best ensure that all Americans, particularly those in rural areas, have access to next-generation services in an ever-changing environment. (WC Docket Nos. 26-96, 10-90)
The FCC’s May 20, 2026 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.
Verizon Waiver Petition Requests Extension Of Next Generation 911 (NG911) Phase 1 Deadlines In Massachusetts
April 24, 2026 – The FCC’s Public Safety and Homeland Security Bureau is seeking public comment on a Petition for Waiver filed by Verizon, requesting an extension of the deadlines for complying with Next Generation 911 (NG911) Phase 1 requirements in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts and additional jurisdictions. Comments are due on or before May 4, 2026. Reply comments are due May 11, 2026.
Verizon is seeking the following extensions of the six-month compliance date of Section 9.30(a)(1) of the FCC’s rules in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts for its wireline services:
Through June 30, 2026, for Verizon’s wireline services in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts and in other jurisdictions that filed Phase 1 requests prior to November 1, 2025; and
Through July 31, 2026 for Verizon’s wireline services in jurisdictions that filed Phase 1 requests between November 1, 2025 and January 31, 2026.
In its petition, “Verizon states that its wireline Phase 1 implementation was largely complete in Massachusetts and other jurisdictions late in the first quarter of 2026, but that additional time through mid-2026 will facilitate more seamless support for certain multi-line telephone system (MLTS) users’ caller location functions.” Verizon has contracted with Intrado to implement NG911 Phase 1 and Phase 2 in a consistent and reliable way. The agreement “covers all Verizon wireline services (e.g., TDM and VoIP based), including ILEC, CLEC, and interconnected VoIP services, nationwide. Intrado will support last mile delivery of 911 traffic to state NG911 providers and traffic aggregators designated by 911 authorities around the U.S. in the requested Phase 1 or Phase 2 format.
Verizon has completed NG911 Phase 1 in Massachusetts for its wireless network, but has requested a retroactive waiver through March 31, 2026 of the Phase 1 deadline for its wireless services in Massachusetts. As of April 1, 2026, Verizon has deployed Phase 1 for its wireless markets for 2062 public safety answering points (PSAPs) across 31 states.
FCC Releases Final Agenda For April 30th Open Meeting
April 23 2026 – The Federal Communications Commission has released the following final agenda for the FCC’s next open meeting scheduled for Thursday, April 30, 2026:
Modernizing Spectrum Sharing for Satellite Broadband – The Commission will consider a Report and Order that would promote efficient spectrum sharing between geostationary and non-geostationary satellite systems. To take account of today’s satellite technology and operations and to promote expanded services to American consumers, the item would update the decades-old framework for how non-geostationary and geostationary satellite systems share spectrum. (SB Docket No. 25-157)
Combatting Robocalls Through Enhanced Know-Your-Customer Requirements – The Commission will consider a Further Notice of Proposed Rulemaking to enhance existing “Know-Your-Customer” (KYC) requirements by seeking comment on the information that originating providers must obtain from customers before they make calls, how providers should verify that information, and proposing to better set penalties for violations of these requirements proportionate to harm. This would fill gaps between general KYC requirements and the types of rigorous steps necessary to protect consumers from illegal calls. (CG Docket No. 17-59, 02-278)
Ensuring Integrity and Security in Electronic Device Testing – The Commission will consider a Second Report and Order, Order on Reconsideration, and Second Further Notice of Proposed Rulemaking aimed at strengthening national security and reciprocity through the equipment authorization program. The item would incentivize U.S. and allied testing and certification by creating a fast‑track review process for applications tested in Trusted Test Labs, direct updates to post‑market surveillance procedures, bolster enforcement tools, and establish confidential channels for industry to report potential violations or national security concerns. (ET Docket No. 24-136)
Protecting Against National Security Threats in Domestic Telecommunications Service – The Commission will consider a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking that would continue its efforts to protect the nation’s telecommunications networks by proposing to exclude entities identified on the “Covered List” from providing domestic interstate telecommunications services pursuant to blanket authority under section 214 of the Communications Act, and seek comment on other potential exclusions from blanket authority under section 214 and other related measures. (WC Docket No. 26-82)
Establishing a New E-Rate Competitive Bidding Portal – The Commission will consider a Report and Order and Order on Reconsideration that would strengthen the integrity of the E-Rate program by establishing a competitive bidding portal and adopt several proposals aimed at streamlining and simplifying E-Rate program procedures. The portal would be used by applicants and service providers during the procurement process beginning in funding year 2028. (WC Docket No. 21-455; CC Docket No. 02-6)
Amending the Audible Crawl Rule – The Commission will consider a Third Further Notice of Proposed Rulemaking to amend the Audible Crawl Rule and eliminate a technically unworkable provision while ensuring that people who are visually impaired continue receiving the critical emergency information they need. (MB Docket No. 12-107)
The FCC’s April 30, 2026 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 Announces Conditional Approval Of Certain Wi-Fi Routers And Exemptions From Covered List
April 22, 2026 – The FCC’s Public Safety and Homeland Security Bureau (PSHSB) has announced that certain routers have been granted conditional approvals and as a result are exempt from the Covered List. The FCC’s Covered List is a list of equipment and services that have been determined to “pose an unacceptable risk to the national security of the United States or the security and safety of U.S. persons. 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.
On March 23, 2026, the PSHSB added “routers produced in a foreign country” to the Covered List. Thereafter, certain router manufacturers requested review by the Executive Branch interagency body to evaluate whether their devices do not pose unacceptable risks to national security and should be granted an exemption. On April 14, 2026, and April 22, 2026, the Department of War (DoW) granted conditional approvals exempting certain routers from the Covered List. They are shown in the table below.
FCC Requests Comment On Changing Operations And Management Of USAC
April 15, 2026 – The FCC’s Wireline Competition Bureau and Office of the Managing Director are seeking public comment on potential reforms to the operations and management of the Universal Service Administrative Company (USAC). Comments are due on or before May 15, 2026. USAC administers the FCC’s Universal Service Fund (USF). Its function is purely administrative, and its operations are prescribed by FCC regulations and subject to FCC oversight. In the Public Notice, comment is sought on numerous questions related to the following five topics:
Current State. First, we seek comment on the current state of USAC operations and on any ways the administration of the USF should be reformed or made more efficient to better effectuate the USF’s statutory purpose.
Operations and Internal Management Processes. Second, we seek comment on what changes are needed to USAC operations and internal management processes to maximize efficiency, transparency, accountability, and speed of operations.
Improving Efficiency. Next, we seek comment on improving the efficiency of USAC’s role in the recoveries of USF funds and audits of USF program beneficiaries, and ways to ensure that the Commission is able to recover all improperly-disbursed funding subject to recovery.
Improving Audit Processes. Next, we seek comment on audits of USAC processes. Each year, USAC must retain an independent auditor to examine its operations and books of accounts to determine whether it is properly administering the USF.
Board Composition. We also seek comment on the composition of USAC’s Board of Directors.
Conflicts of Interest. Finally, we seek comment on preventing USAC Board member conflicts of interest.
FCC Announces Tentative Agenda For April 30th Open Meeting
April 9, 2026 – Federal Communications Commission Chairman Brendan Carr has announced the following tentative agenda for the FCC’s next open meeting scheduled for Thursday, April 30, 2026:
Modernizing Spectrum Sharing for Satellite Broadband – The Commission will consider a Report and Order that would promote efficient spectrum sharing between geostationary and non-geostationary satellite systems. To take account of today’s satellite technology and operations and to promote expanded services to American consumers, the item would update the decades-old framework for how non-geostationary and geostationary satellite systems share spectrum. (SB Docket No. 25-157)
Combatting Robocalls Through Enhanced Know-Your-Customer Requirements – The Commission will consider a Further Notice of Proposed Rulemaking to enhance existing “Know-Your-Customer” (KYC) requirements by seeking comment on the information that originating providers must obtain from customers before they make calls, how providers should verify that information, and proposing to better set penalties for violations of these requirements proportionate to harm. This would fill gaps between general KYC requirements and the types of rigorous steps necessary to protect consumers from illegal calls. (CG Docket No. 17-59, 02-278)
Ensuring Integrity and Security in Electronic Device Testing – The Commission will consider a Second Report and Order, Order on Reconsideration, and Second Further Notice of Proposed Rulemaking aimed at strengthening national security and reciprocity through the equipment authorization program. The item would incentivize U.S. and allied testing and certification by creating a fast‑track review process for applications tested in Trusted Test Labs, direct updates to post‑market surveillance procedures, bolster enforcement tools, and establish confidential channels for industry to report potential violations or national security concerns. (ET Docket No. 24-136)
Protecting Against National Security Threats in Domestic Telecommunications Service – The Commission will consider a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking that would continue its efforts to protect the nation’s telecommunications networks by proposing to exclude entities identified on the “Covered List” from providing domestic interstate telecommunications services pursuant to blanket authority under section 214 of the Communications Act, and seek comment on other potential exclusions from blanket authority under section 214 and other related measures. (WC Docket No. 26-82)
Establishing a New E-Rate Competitive Bidding Portal – The Commission will consider a Report and Order and Order on Reconsideration that would strengthen the integrity of the E-Rate program by establishing a competitive bidding portal and adopt several proposals aimed at streamlining and simplifying E-Rate program procedures. The portal would be used by applicants and service providers during the procurement process beginning in funding year 2028. (WC Docket No. 21-455; CC Docket No. 02-6)
Amending the Audible Crawl Rule – The Commission will consider a Third Further Notice of Proposed Rulemaking to amend the Audible Crawl Rule and eliminate a technically unworkable provision while ensuring that people who are visually impaired continue receiving the critical emergency information they need. (MB Docket No. 12-107)
The FCC’s April 30, 2026 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 Announces Comment Deadlines For Lifeline Reform NPRM
April 7, 2026 – The FCC’s Wireline Competition Bureau has announced the comment deadlines for the FCC’s recent Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) on the Lifeline and Link Up Reform and Modernization. Comments are due on or before May 4, 2026. Reply comments are due June 2, 2026. In the NPRM, the FCC “seeks comment on reforms in the Lifeline program to ensure that federal dollars go to eligible Americans, enhance program integrity, ensure that service providers comply with the Commission’s rules and regulations, and streamline Lifeline rules.”
FCC Announces Cybersecurity Workshop For Telecommunications Carriers On May 15, 2026
April 7, 2026 – The FCC’s Public Safety and Homeland Security Bureau has announced that the FCC will host a cybersecurity workshop for telecommunications carriers on May 15, 2026. The workshop will cover emerging cybersecurity risks, share and promote adoption of best practices, and highlight opportunities for public-private partnership on cybersecurity issues facing telecommunications carriers, including ransomware attacks and advanced persistent threats.
The workshop will start at 10:00am EDT on Friday, May 15, 2026. Registration is free and is open to the public. Members of the public may attend this event either in person at the FCC’s headquarters in Washington, DC, or remotely via livestream at www.fcc.gov/live. Remote and in-person registration can be completed at https://www.fcc.gov/form/public-safety-homeland-security.
FCC Suspends Seven Individuals From Universal Service Fund Programs
April 7, 2026 – The FCC’s Enforcement Bureau has issued Notices of Suspension from participating in the universal service fund (USF) programs and officially initiated debarment proceedings for seven individuals. Each of the seven individuals were previously convicted of crimes related to the schools and libraries universal service support mechanism (E-Rate Program). Upon completion of the debarment proceedings, each individual will be prohibited from future participation in all federal universal service support mechanisms for three years.
FCC Seeking Comment On The State Of Competition In The Communications Marketplace
April 6, 2026 – The FCC’s Office Of Economics And Analytics has released a Public Notice that seeks comment on the state of competition in the communications marketplace. Comments are due on or before May 21, 2026. Reply comments are due June 22, 2026.
In the last quarter of every even numbered year, the FCC is required to publish a Communications Marketplace Report that, among other things, assesses the state of competition in the communications marketplace, including competition to deliver voice, video, audio, and data services among providers of telecommunications, providers of commercial mobile service, multichannel video programming distributors, broadcast stations, providers of satellite communications, Internet service providers, and other providers of communications services.
The FCC is seeking data, information, and comment on a wide range of issues relevant to the state of competition in the communications marketplace as a whole. The FCC wants industry stakeholders, the public, and all other interested parties to submit information, data, and statistics for 2024 and 2025, as well as information on any notable trends and developments that have occurred during early 2026. Public comment in response to the Public Notice will inform the FCC’s required assessment of communications marketplace competition in the in its upcoming 2026 Communications Marketplace Report to Congress.
