FCC Open Meeting Set for August 6 to Take Up Spectrum, USF, Broadcast Ownership, and Telehealth

The Federal Communications Commission will hold an Open Meeting on Thursday, August 6, 2026, scheduled to commence at 10:30 a.m. in the Commission Meeting Room at 45 L Street NE, Washington, DC. The meeting is open to the public, though FCC headquarters is not open access and all guests must check in with and be screened by FCC security at the main entrance on L Street. The meeting will also be streamed live at fcc.gov/live and on the FCC's YouTube channel.

Unlicensed Spectrum for Direct-to-Device Satellite Communications

The Commission will consider a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking under ET Docket No. 26-169, titled "Unleashing Unlicensed Spectrum for Direct-to-Device," brought by the Office of Engineering and Technology. The NPRM would explore new avenues to allow innovative unlicensed wireless devices to communicate directly with satellites. Specifically, it 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.

Universal Service Fund Administration Reform

Under WC Docket No. 26-173, the Wireline Competition Bureau will present an NPRM titled "Maximizing Efficiencies in Universal Service Administration." The proposal would seek to strengthen the Commission's management and administration of the Universal Service Fund by reforming and improving USF administration processes, the structure of USF administration, and operating costs associated with USF administration. The NPRM would also examine the impact of USAC's Board of Directors on USF administration.

National Television Multiple Ownership Rule

The Media Bureau will ask the Commission to consider a Report and Order under MB Docket No. 17-318, addressing the Amendment of Section 73.3555(e) of the Commission's Rules — the National Television Multiple Ownership Rule. According to the notice, the Report and Order would remove artificial barriers to broadcast television's ability to attract capital and generate revenue, which the document states would enable broadcast television owners to better fulfill their public interest obligations, including through increased investment in local programming. The order also enables broadcast television station owners to expand their audience reach, gaining important leverage against national television networks.

Rural Health Care Program: Telehealth Proceedings

The fourth item, brought by the Wireline Competition Bureau under WC Docket No. 17-310, is titled "Promoting Telehealth in Rural America." 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.

What to Watch

The Open Meeting is scheduled for Thursday, August 6, 2026, at 10:30 a.m. at FCC headquarters, 45 L Street NE, Washington, DC. Attendees will not be required to have an appointment but must comply with protocols outlined at fcc.gov/visit. Open captioning and a text-only version will be provided; other disability accommodations are available upon request submitted in advance.

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