Media Bureau Extends the Filing Window for New Noncommercial Educational Reserved Band FM Translator Station Applications
Window will close at 6:00 p.m. EST on Monday, November 23, 2026.
MB Docket No. 26-20
By this Public Notice, the Media Bureau (Bureau) announces that the deadline for filing applications for new noncommercial educational (NCE) reserved band FM translator station construction permits will be extended to November 23, 2026, at 6:00 p.m. EST.
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Friday, November 6, 2026
The FCC's Licensing and Management System (LMS) was reported to be functioning properly as of 9:00 AM Eastern today, November 6. The reserved-band NCE FM translator filing window remains open through November 17, with applications submitted electronically through LMS. This morning's operational status does not guarantee uninterrupted availability throughout the filing period.
Why it matters: Reliable LMS operation is particularly important during the current filing window, when applicants are submitting technically complex applications and supporting engineering exhibits.
Action: November 17, 6:00 PM Eastern — filing deadline. Submit applications early enough to resolve validation errors or unexpected system interruptions. Retain filing confirmations.
The FCC's first filing window for new reserved-band NCE FM translators opened November 4 and continues through November 17. Applications for Channels 201–220 are subject to applicant eligibility requirements, application limits, interference-protection rules and comparative selection procedures. The existing freeze on LPFM, FM translator and FM booster minor-modification applications continues through the filing window.
Why it matters: Applicants should distinguish technical acceptability from comparative selection eligibility. An application that satisfies interference requirements may still face mutually exclusive competition, making applicant qualifications and supporting documentation important.
Action: November 17 — window closes. Verify final engineering studies, site assurance, ownership certifications and comparative selection information before submission.
The FCC's Upper C-band transition process reached an important milestone yesterday, November 5, the announced deadline for eligible satellite operators to submit initial transition plans. The plans are intended to identify affected services, relocation requirements, equipment modifications, estimated costs and implementation schedules. The filing deadline itself does not establish that every required plan has been submitted or accepted.
Why it matters: Broadcasters relying on C-band satellite reception may face equipment changes, retuning or alternative program-delivery arrangements. The submitted plans should help identify which facilities could be affected and the anticipated timing of necessary modifications.
Action: Review the transition plans as they become available. Inventory affected earth stations and preserve equipment documentation for possible relocation or reimbursement proceedings.
A pending FCC proposal would provide additional flexibility for FM stations seeking to relocate to existing antenna structures where current Section 73.215 minimum-distance restrictions prevent otherwise suitable installations. The proposed approach would require an acceptable engineering demonstration establishing compliance with applicable interference-protection requirements. The proposal remains under consideration and does not authorize short-spaced relocations that violate existing rules.
Why it matters: Adoption could reduce the cost and complexity of relocating FM stations affected by tower loss, lease termination, structural deterioration or local zoning restrictions. Existing towers that are currently unusable because of minimum-spacing limitations could become viable alternatives.
Action: Comments scheduled for December 14, 2026; replies January 13, 2027. Review the proposal for potential application to existing FM relocation projects.
The nationwide Emergency Alert System test remains scheduled for November 17 at 2:20 PM Eastern, with December 3 designated as the alternate date. The previously announced October 30 ETRS Form One deadline has passed, and participating stations should now concentrate on equipment readiness and post-test reporting. EAS monitoring assignments, CAP connectivity and retransmission procedures remain essential compliance considerations.
Why it matters: The test provides an opportunity to identify failures involving alert reception, decoding, retransmission and station operating procedures. Equipment deficiencies or incomplete reporting can create compliance exposure independent of the nationwide test's overall outcome.
Action: November 17 — nationwide test. Verify equipment readiness, monitoring sources and station logs. Complete ETRS Form Two and Form Three within the applicable FCC reporting periods.
Blogger Publishing Note
Label: FCC & U.S. Policy Briefing
Friday, October 30, 2026
The FCC requires Emergency Alert System participants, including AM, FM, LPFM and television broadcasters, to submit ETRS Form One by October 30. The nationwide EAS test is scheduled for November 17 at 2:20 p.m. Eastern, with December 3 designated as the alternate date. Stations must provide accurate facility, equipment and monitoring information through the FCC's EAS Test Reporting System.
Why it matters: Failure to submit Form One creates a compliance issue independent of whether a station successfully participates in the nationwide test. Engineers should also verify EAS equipment configuration, monitoring assignments and IPAWS/CAP connectivity.
Action: Deadline: Today, October 30. Confirm successful Form One submission. Form Two is due November 19 at 2:20 p.m. Eastern, and Form Three is due January 4, 2027, assuming the test proceeds November 17.
The FCC voted unanimously October 29 to adopt new equipment-authorization requirements under ET Docket 24-136, FCC 26-73. The rules will restrict recognized testing laboratories, telecommunications certification bodies and accreditation organizations to facilities located in the United States or countries providing qualifying reciprocal recognition. The Commission established a transition period ending December 1, 2028, and initiated additional rulemaking concerning equipment-authorization procedures.
Why it matters: The changes could significantly affect RF equipment manufacturers, certification costs and product availability. Broadcast equipment suppliers relying on testing facilities in China or other nonreciprocal jurisdictions may need alternative certification arrangements.
Action: Transition deadline: December 1, 2028. Manufacturers and equipment suppliers should review their existing testing and certification arrangements. Additional comment deadlines will follow publication of the proposed rules.
The FCC's first reserved-band NCE FM translator filing window opens November 4 at 12:01 a.m. Eastern and closes November 17 at 6:00 p.m. Eastern. The window covers Channels 201–220, with eligibility restrictions, application caps and comparative selection procedures established by the Commission. The existing freeze on LPFM, FM translator and FM booster minor-modification applications remains effective through the closing date.
Why it matters: Applicants must complete interference studies, site assurance, eligibility certifications and LMS application preparation before filing. The November 17 comparative snapshot date makes accurate technical and applicant information particularly important.
Action: November 4–17 filing window. Complete final channel-preclusion studies and review pending applications requiring protection. Applications submitted after the closing deadline will not be accepted.
The FCC adopted a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking October 29 under GN Dockets 26-281 and 23-65, FCC 26-71, proposing substantial changes to its Supplemental Coverage from Space regulations. The proposal would make an additional 482 MHz of licensed terrestrial spectrum eligible for satellite direct-to-device operations, expanding the number of eligible bands from five to thirteen. The Commission also proposes more flexible spectrum-leasing arrangements and revised technical coordination requirements.
Why it matters: Expanded satellite use of terrestrial frequencies could substantially change spectrum-sharing arrangements and interference-protection procedures. The proceeding is particularly relevant to engineers involved in frequency coordination, satellite communications and emerging wireless services.
Action: Proposed rules only; no new operating authority established by this action. Review the forthcoming Federal Register notice for comment and reply deadlines.
The FCC voted unanimously October 29 to remove longstanding restrictions preventing unmanned aircraft from using the 800 MHz cellular band. Under FCC 26-72, GN Docket 26-74 and WT Docket 22-323, the adopted rules open 50 MHz of licensed cellular spectrum for drone command, control and communications. The decision does not eliminate separate FAA flight authorization requirements.
Why it matters: The action expands potential communications capabilities for unmanned aircraft used in infrastructure inspections, emergency response and industrial operations. It also illustrates the FCC's increasing reliance on modern network interference-management techniques to accommodate new services in existing licensed spectrum.
Action: Final rules adopted October 29. The effective date depends on Federal Register publication. Engineers developing drone-based inspection or communications systems should review the final technical and operational requirements.
Blogger Publishing Note
Label: FCC & U.S. Policy Briefing
October 28, 2026
FCC regulatory and technical developments affecting broadcast operations, engineering, and licensing.
On October 22, the FCC announced its first enforcement action under recently effective equipment authorization rules restricting devices containing certain components manufactured by entities on the Commission's Covered List.
The FCC's Office of Engineering and Technology prevented a wireless video transmitter and a dashboard camera from receiving the authorizations necessary for U.S. marketing. Both devices reportedly contained integrated circuits manufactured by HiSilicon, a subsidiary of Huawei.
The underlying rules, effective October 13, prohibit new equipment authorizations for certain devices incorporating logic-bearing components produced by Covered List entities. Previously authorized equipment is not automatically affected.
TZSTC takeaway: Broadcasters purchasing new wireless video equipment or other RF devices requiring equipment authorization should verify the manufacturer's FCC authorization and equipment compliance. This action does not establish new broadcast STL licensing restrictions or require replacement of previously authorized equipment.
FCC 26-50; ET Docket No. 21-232; FCC News Release DOC-426130, October 22, 2026. spilma
No additional newly adopted FCC technical rules or generally applicable filing procedures were identified during the review period that would materially change AM, FM, television, LPTV, LPFM, or FM translator engineering studies.
The principal immediate concerns remain existing compliance deadlines and the approaching reserved-band NCE FM translator filing window.
TZSTC takeaway: Engineering and licensing work should continue under existing technical standards. Particular attention should be given to completing translator applications and confirming EAS reporting compliance before the approaching deadlines.
| Date | Regulatory Action or Deadline |
|---|---|
| October 30 | ETRS Form One filing deadline for EAS participants. |
| November 4–17 | Reserved-band NCE FM translator filing window, Channels 201–220. Applications must be submitted by 6:00 p.m. Eastern on November 17. |
| November 17 | Nationwide EAS test at 2:20 p.m. Eastern. |
| November 18 | Reply comments due concerning proposed 5G Broadcast operations by LPTV stations, MB Docket No. 26-263. |
| November 19 | ETRS Form Two deadline, 2:20 p.m. Eastern, assuming the November 17 test proceeds as scheduled. |
The existing freeze on LPFM, FM translator, and FM booster minor modification applications continues through the November 17 filing window. Applicants should complete technical studies, site documentation, and application certifications before submitting their proposals. FCC Docs
T Z Sawyer Technical Consultants
The Spectrum Factory
Serving broadcasters and the telecommunications community since 1985.
Blogger publishing note:
Label: Regulatory & Engineering Updates
October 21, 2026
FCC regulatory and technical developments affecting broadcast operations, engineering, and licensing.
On October 14, the U.S. Supreme Court stayed a Fourth Circuit order requiring the FCC to immediately resolve challenges to its political advertising guidance.
The FCC's March interpretation extending lowest-unit-charge eligibility to qualifying candidate-authorized advertising purchased by political parties and joint fundraising committees therefore remains in place. The Supreme Court's decision addressed procedural issues, not the underlying legality of the FCC's interpretation.
TZSTC takeaway: Broadcasters should continue following the FCC's existing political advertising guidance through the November election. Stations should review qualifying advertising purchases and maintain accurate political-file documentation. Supreme Court
The FCC's proposed reimbursement cost catalog for the Upper C-band transition was published in the Federal Register on October 19. The proceeding concerns relocation of incumbent satellite operations from 4.0–4.16 GHz, including broadcast satellite-receive facilities.
The catalog establishes proposed reimbursement categories and cost estimates for affected facilities. Initial comments closed October 20, with reply comments due November 9.
TZSTC takeaway: Broadcasters receiving satellite-delivered programming in the affected frequencies should document existing receive systems, including antennas, filtering, receivers, and associated equipment. Early evaluation of potential modifications and reimbursement eligibility may help avoid unnecessary costs or service interruptions.
GN Docket No. 25-59; DA 26-1049. Federal Register Archive
The FCC's decision eliminating the 39% national television ownership cap remains contested. During the past week, the National Association of Broadcasters and Nexstar opposed requests by cable and broadband associations to stay the Commission's decision.
The FCC's revised policy provides for case-by-case consideration of television ownership combinations exceeding the former national limit. Challenges to the Commission's authority to eliminate the cap remain unresolved.
TZSTC takeaway: Television operators considering acquisitions, facility consolidation, or related capital investments should recognize that the revised ownership framework remains subject to legal challenge. No immediate technical filing changes are required solely because of these proceedings. Broadcast Law Blog
| Date | Regulatory Action or Deadline |
|---|---|
| October 30 | ETRS Form One deadline for applicable EAS participants. |
| November 4–17 | Reserved-band NCE FM translator filing window, Channels 201–220. |
| November 9 | Upper C-band reimbursement cost catalog reply comments due. |
| November 17 | Nationwide EAS test at 2:20 p.m. Eastern. |
| November 19 | ETRS Form Two due by 2:20 p.m. Eastern. |
The existing freeze on FM translator, FM booster, and LPFM minor modification applications continues through the November 17 translator filing window. Stations preparing applications should complete engineering studies and supporting documentation before the window opens. Telecom Law Pros
T Z Sawyer Technical Consultants
The Spectrum Factory
Serving broadcasters and the telecommunications community since 1985.
Blogger publishing note:
Label: Regulatory & Engineering Updates