Federal Communications Commission Chairman Brendan Carr has released the tentative agenda for the agency’s next Open Commission Meeting on Thursday, August 6, 2026, with the most significant item being a vote to replace the national television multiple ownership rule.
The proposed Report and Order would eliminate longstanding restrictions on broadcast television ownership, aiming to help stations attract capital, boost revenue, invest more in local programming, and gain greater leverage against national networks. (MB Docket No. 17-318).
Other major items on the agenda include:
- Opening more than 200 MHz of unlicensed spectrum for direct-to-device (D2D) satellite services. A Notice of Proposed Rulemaking would explore allowing unlicensed Part 15 devices to communicate directly with satellites, clarify their use inside FCC-authorized spacecraft, and seek comment on additional safe space operations. (ET Docket No. 26-169)
- Reforming Universal Service Fund administration. A Notice of Proposed Rulemaking would target improvements in management, structure, costs, and oversight of the USF through changes to processes and the role of USAC’s Board. (WC Docket No. 26-173)
- Enhancing the Rural Health Care Program for telehealth.
A Third Further Notice of Proposed Rulemaking would seek ways to reduce administrative burdens and better manage funding, while an accompanying Order would allow continued use of previously approved rural rates for funding year 2027. (WC Docket No. 17-310)
The open meeting is scheduled to begin at 10:30 a.m. ET in the Commission Meeting Room at FCC headquarters, 45 L Street, N.E., Washington, D.C. It will be streamed live at www.fcc.gov/live.