FCC Sends Satellite Spectrum Abundance Final Rule to OMB

Yesterday, the OMB’s Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs (OIRA) announced that it had received a final rule from the Federa Communications Commission (FCC) on “Satellite Spectrum Abundance (SB Docket No. 25-180)”. The notice of proposed rulemaking for this action was published on June 27th, 2025.  

According to the 2026 Unified Agenda Entry for this rulemaking: 

“On May 22, 2025, the Commission adopted a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking to seek further comment on ways to use the 12.7-13.25 GHz band (12.7 GHz band) and the 42.0-42.5 GHz band (42 GHz band) more efficiently and intensively. Specifically, the item seeks comment on the possibility of achieving more intensive use of the 12.7 GHz band by satellite communications through the removal of existing regulatory restrictions and the opening of the band to a wider range of satellite operations. Likewise, it seeks comment on the potential for more intensive use of the 42 GHz band by adding for the first time an allocation for fixed-satellite service (FSS). In both instances, the item seeks comment on ways to protect any incumbent spectrum users in the bands, as well as ways to protect spectrum users, particularly Federal operators, in adjacent bands.”