FCC Outlines Priorities for 2026, Including Modernizing Environmental Rules and Facilitating NG911 Transition

The agency plans to streamline regulations, enable 900 MHz broadband, and expand unlicensed 6 GHz use while addressing utility concerns.

Mar. 15, 2026 at 12:52am

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Federal Communications Commission Chairman Brendan Carr has outlined several key priorities for the agency in 2026, including modernizing environmental review rules, facilitating the transition to Next Generation 911, reallocating the 900 MHz band for broadband, and authorizing new unlicensed uses in the 6 GHz band. The FCC is also pursuing wireline and wireless permitting reform and continuing its long-running efforts to improve access to utility poles.

Why it matters

These FCC initiatives aim to streamline regulations, enable new wireless and broadband services, and improve critical public safety communications - all while balancing the concerns of various industry stakeholders like utilities and incumbent spectrum users.

The details

The FCC plans to revise its implementation of the National Environmental Policy Act to reduce administrative burdens, update 911 reliability rules to support the NG911 transition, and allow Anterix to aggregate the entire 900 MHz band for a 5x5 MHz broadband offering. The agency also authorized geofenced variable power devices to operate in the unlicensed 6 GHz band, though utilities argue this could cause interference. Additionally, the FCC is pursuing wireline and wireless permitting reform and continuing to modify pole attachment rules to facilitate broadband deployments.

  • The FCC adopted the NEPA NPRM in 2025, and parties await the final Report and Order.
  • The FCC completed a comment cycle on the NG911 FNPRM in September 2025, with a Report and Order expected in 2026.
  • The FCC approved Anterix's proposal to aggregate the 900 MHz band to 5x5 MHz at its February 18, 2026 Open Meeting.
  • The FCC authorized geofenced 6 GHz devices at its January 2026 Open Meeting, but a new NPRM seeks further updates.
  • The FCC initiated wireline and wireless permitting reform proceedings in fall 2025.

The players

Brendan Carr

Chairman of the Federal Communications Commission, leading the agency for over a year.

Anterix

A company that has been working to migrate incumbents off the 900 MHz band to clear spectrum for its broadband offering.

Utilities Technology Council

An organization that submitted an ex parte letter arguing that unlicensed devices in the 6 GHz band cause harmful interference to licensed fixed point-to-point microwave systems.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“Unlicensed devices in the 6 GHz band cause harmful interference to licensed fixed point-to-point microwave systems in this band.”

— Utilities Technology Council

What’s next

The FCC is expected to release a Report and Order on its NG911 rules in 2026.

The takeaway

The FCC's 2026 priorities demonstrate its ongoing efforts to modernize regulations, enable new wireless services, and improve critical communications infrastructure - though the agency must balance the needs of various industry stakeholders in the process.