In the April 2, 2026 edition of the ICORE Blog we reported on several actions taken by the Commission at its March 26, 2026 Open Meeting. In addition to the items discussed in that edition of the ICORE Blog, at the March Open Meeting the Commission also adopted an NPRM entitled Spectrum Abundance for Weird Space Stuff. The goal of this proceeding is to bring greater spectrum abundance to emergent ventures in space, namely supporting telemetry, tracking, and command (TT&C) for future applications like orbital laboratories, satellite repairs, and private inhabitable spacecraft. This “Weird Space Stuff” proceeding looks to address shortages of available spectrum for such operations. The NPRM seeks comment on ways to expand access, modernize the FCC’s rules, and give America’s space activities sufficient spectrum in order to thrive. The NPRM posits that America’s leadership in space relies on predictable spectrum resources and an acute shortage of readily accessible spectrum for TT&C currently exists which threatens to delay or prevent the growth of space technologies and jeopardize U.S. leadership in the global space economy. Comments and Reply comments in this proceeding are due 30 and 60 days respectively after publication in the Federal Register.
In addition to the previous item, the Commission adopted a Direct Final Rule, the seventh installment in its “Delete, Delete, Delete” efforts to modernize and streamline the FCC’s rules and regulations. This Direct Final Rule removes a number of outdated procedures by rescinding obsolete provisions related to the FCC’s Office of Economics and Analytics and the Office of International Affairs, eliminating burdensome regulations so licensees can move faster and focus on modern network deployment. The Commission has been focused on eliminating outdated rules since the “Delete, Delete, Delete” proceeding began last summer.
In other FCC news, on April 7. 2026, the FCC suspended seven individuals from participating in the agency’s Universal Service programs. The named individuals participated in schemes to defraud the E-Rate program, including providing false information to USAC and overbilling the E-Rate program. The FCC’s Enforcement Bureau issued Notices of Suspension and officially initiated debarment proceedings for the seven individuals. As discussed in the ICORE Blog dated April 2, 2026, the FCC recently adopted an Order designed to strengthen protections for Publicly Funded programs from fraud, waste, and abuse. The enhanced protections are applicable to the Universal Fund, including the E-Rate program. Each of the seven individuals has been found guilty of crimes related to the USF-supported E-Rate program which is designed to enhance access to advanced telecommunications and information services for schools and libraries. The April 7, 2026 suspensions by the FCC comes on the heels of actions taken by the FCC in a similar case involving the E-Rate program. On March 20, 2026, the FCC announced the debarment of a group of individuals convicted of defrauding the E-Rate program. As a result of the debarment, these individuals are prohibited from participating in activities associated with the E-Rate program and any other program funded by federal universal service support mechanisms for three years.
