Public Regulatory Brief
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United States of America
Public Consultation Document
Proposal
Chairman Carr Proposes Transformation in Connectivity: Meeting Proposals to Unleash Wireless Services for Terrestrial, Satellite, and Drones
Affects:
Certification Process
Spectrum Management
1.8 GHz
2.4 GHz
800 MHz
Executive Summary
FCC Chairman Brendan Carr has announced three policy proposals for the October 29, 2026, Open Meeting, including the modernization of Direct-to-Device (D2D) rules, a new spectrum auction for mid-band frequencies, and the removal of restrictions on drone operations in the 800 MHz cellular band. Additionally, the FCC Space Bureau has authorized a new SpaceX direct-to-cell satellite system.
Last Updated
14-OCT-26
FCC Chairman Brendan Carr has announced three proposals for consideration at the FCC's Open Meeting on 29 October 2026. The proposals aim to expand wireless connectivity and support satellite, mobile and drone communications.
Key Proposals
- Direct-to-Device (D2D): Review existing rules to make an additional 482 MHz of spectrum available for Supplemental Coverage from Space (SCS), supporting direct satellite connectivity to mobile devices.
- Spectrum Auction: Propose an auction of 25 MHz of mid-band spectrum in the 1675–1695 MHz and 2020–2025 MHz bands for terrestrial and satellite communications.
- Drone Communications: Remove current restrictions on drone operations in the 800 MHz cellular band, potentially making 50 MHz of licensed spectrum available for commercial and defence applications.
The document also reports that the FCC's Space Bureau has authorised SpaceX to operate a direct-to-cell system consisting of 15,000 satellites at an altitude of 330 km, using spectrum acquired from EchoStar.
The three proposals are scheduled for consideration on 29 October 2026, with further regulatory steps depending on the FCC's decisions.
Attached Documents & Source Files
Chairman Carr Proposes Transformation in Connectivity
Author / Agency: Office of Chairman Brendan Carr
Published:
2026-10-07
Language:
English
Key Regulatory Timeline & Dates
Oct 07, 2026
Date Published
Date of the official press release announcement.
Oct 29, 2026
Date of Entry into Force
Date of the FCC Open Meeting where these items are scheduled for a vote.
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