In this edition of the ICORE Blog we report on recent actions taken by the FCC.
As previously reported in the June 28, 2026 edition of the ICORE Blog, at its June 25, 2026 Open Meeting, the Commission adopted a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) proposing rules that would prevent state and local statutes from having the effect of prohibiting the provision of wireline telecommunications services in violation of section 253 of the Communications Act. In addition to this item, the Commission took the following actions at the June Open Meeting:
* The Commission adopted an NPRM and FNPRM regarding the E-Rate Program. The NPRM seeks comment on actions to ensure the E-Rate Program advances student learning outcomes and better protects the on-line safety of children when using E-Rate funded networks and services. In addition, the NPRM seeks comment on how to ensure that E-Rate funded networks are being used for educational purposes, as statutorily required. The FNPRM proposes actions to strengthen program integrity by increasing oversight of consultants including requiring annual disclosures and certification.
* The Commission adopted a Report and Order (Order) and FNPRM addressing the Emergency Alert System (EAS) and Wireless Emergency Alerts (WEA). The Order takes steps to preserve the public trust in EAS by requiring targeted cybersecurity improvements that will help protect against hijacking by cybercriminals and our nation’s adversaries. The NPRM would improve EAS’s integrity by proposing to require the authentication of all alerts before they are transmitted. Further, the NPRM seeks to bolster the reliability of emergency alerts by establishing a universal alert number to improve the detection and blocking of duplicate alerts and ensure that WEA alerts are consistently sent to members of the public.
* The Commission adopted a Report and Order (Order) and FNPRM addressing NG911. The Order updates the definition of “covered 911 service provider” to include providers that control critical pathways and components in NG911 networks. In addition, the Order modernizes and streamlines the 911 reliability standards to reflect best practices appropriate to IP-based 911 networks and the burdensome annual filing requirements for covered providers.
At the July 22, 2026 Open Meeting, the Commission took the following actions:
* The Commission adopted a Report and Order (Order) addressing Broadband Consumer Labels (see ICORE Blogs dated 10/15/25, 10/31/25, 2/11/26, and 3/19/26). The Order revises the Commission’s initial Broadband Label rules adopted in 2022. The Order allows phone sales representatives to present label information conversationally in summary form rather than requiring a verbatim explanation and allows for an abbreviated explanation of passthrough fees. In addition, the Order removes the expired Affordable Connectivity Program from the label. The Order clarifies that a prominent hyperlink or icon in a customer account portal, instead of displaying the full label, is sufficient and allows providers to use hyperlinks or icons at the point of sale provided the links connect directly to the specific plan’s label without further navigation required of the consumer. The requirement to provide label contents separately in a machine-readable spreadsheet file is eliminated as is the two-year archiving requirement for discontinued plans. The Order retains the requirement to display labels in English and in any other language(s) in which a provider markets its services and also retains the obligation to make labels accessible to people with disabilities.
* The Commission adopted an FNPRM aimed at improving the reliability, integrity, and effectiveness of the Robocall Mitigation Database (RMD). The FNPRM seeks comment on measures to: (1) strengthen obligations for providers filing in the RMD; and (2) deter bad actors and non-compliant providers from entering or remaining in the RMD. The FNPRM also would seek to further streamline the RMD rules to ensure that provider obligations are clear and manageable. Specifically, comment is sought on measures to confirm the scope of entities that must file in the RMD and to improve the accuracy and completeness of information that providers must submit in the RMD, including certifications and Robocall Mitigation Plans and when providers must update their Robocall Mitigation Plans.
On July 16, 2026, FCC Chairman Carr announced that at its August 6, 2026 Open Meeting the Commission will consider an NPRM on proposed measures aimed at strengthening the management and administration of the Universal Service Fund (USF) and the Commission’s oversight of the Universal Service Administrative Company (USAC). This proceeding builds on a prior inquiry into improving the administration of the USF by USAC (see ICORE Blogs dated 4/30/26 and 5/29/26). Specifically, the NPRM will seek comment on: (1) current USF administrative processes; (2) the structure of USF administration, including USAC’s role and responsibilities related to USF administration; (3) operating costs associated with USF administration; and (4) the impact of USAC’s Board of Directors on USF administration.
We will continue to monitor these important issues and will provide timely updates as more information becomes available.
