FCC Issues Tentative November 20 Open Meeting Agenda

The FCC announced a tentative agenda for its November 20 open meeting, where it will consider:

• Modernizing Telecommunications Relay Services – An NPRM that would seek comment on terminating the mandatory status of TTY-based relay service for state-based TRS programs; facilitate the transition of analog TRS users to internet-based forms of TRS; propose and seek comment on recognizing IP STS as a compensable form of TRS; explore certifying a national analog relay provider; and seek comment on streamlining TRS provider certification and data collection processes, updating or eliminating obsolete rules and closing an outdated docket.
• Protecting the Nation’s Communications Systems from Cybersecurity Threats –An order on reconsideration that advances an agile and collaborative approach to protecting the nation from cyberattacks by rescinding an unlawful and ineffective January 2025 declaratory ruling and NPRM;
• Freeing Up Large Swath of Upper C-band Frequencies – An NPRM that explores options for reconfiguring the upper C-band (3.98 GHz to 4.2 GHz) in the contiguous United States, in furtherance of Congress’ direction in the One Big Beautiful Bill Act;
• Delete, Delete, Delete – Consideration of a Direct Final Rule that would move to delete approximately 21 rules and requirements that have sunset by operation of law; govern an expired event; regulate an obsolete technology; are no longer used in practice by the FCC or licensees; or are otherwise duplicative, outdated, or unnecessary.

FCC Releases Broadband Labels FNPRM

The FCC released an FNPRM and NPRM on broadband labeling on November 3, which was adopted at the October open meeting. The FNPRM proposes to eliminate certain broadband label requirements and seeks comment on other ways to streamline the broadband label rules to reduce compliance burdens while preserving their consumer benefit.

Comments will be due 30 days after Federal Register publication; with replies due 60 days after publication.

FCC Releases New Item on Prison Calling Rates

The FCC released the report and order, order on reconsideration and NPRM that would establish new interim audio and video communications services rate caps for incarcerated people and correctional facilities rate additives for correctional facility cost recovery, and seek comment on establishing permanent rate caps and rate additives.

Sens. Marshall and Welch Reintroduce Reconnect Bill

Sens. Roger Marshall (R-KS) and Peter Welch (D-VT) reintroduced the ReConnecting Rural America Act on Oct. 30, 2025, which would strengthen the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s ReConnect Program by reducing bureaucratic hurdles and accelerating the installation of broadband in rural communities.

The legislation would also

• Establish 100/100 Mbps symmetrical buildout speeds for ReConnect
• Clarify USDA can make grants, loans or grant-loan combinations under ReConnect
• Establish clear definitions to ensure ReConnect prioritizes those who need broadband most
• Clarify communications union districts are eligible entities under ReConnect
• Improve coordination and communication among stakeholders at the federal level

Sens. Cantwell, Schatz Request Tribal Broadband Update

Sens. Maria Cantwell (D-WA), ranking member of the Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation, and Brian Schatz (D-HI), vice chairman of the Committee on Indian Affairs, sent a letter to Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick and NTIA Administrator Arielle Roth seeking information on why distribution of funding for the Tribal Broadband Connectivity Program has been frozen, including $980 million in unobligated Round 2 funding and $294 million in grants announced in December 2024.

They asked for information on what technical assistance NTIA is providing to grantees to ensure program compliance and timely expenditure of funds, a status update on all remaining TBCP awards and when NTIA will award and obligate TBCP Round 2 funding, among other things. 

Court Grants FCC State of Contribution Factor Case, 
NTCA Files Motion to Intervene

The FCC filed a motion with the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 5th Circuit, seeking a stay of the case addressing Consumers’ Research, et al.’s petition for review of the FCC’s fourth quarter 2025 universal service contribution factor. The FCC asked the court to stay the proceeding until 14 days after Congress restores government appropriations.

NTCA filed a motion with the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 5th Circuit to intervene in support of the FCC. In response, the court issued an order granting a motion filed by the FCC seeking a stay of the case addressing Consumers’ Research, et al.’s petition for review.

Oral Arguments Will Proceed in D.C. Circuit Through December

The U.S. Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit announced that cases calendared for oral argument during the months of November and December will proceed as scheduled. Parties remain obligated to meet all scheduled deadlines for filing and comply with the filing requirements of the Federal Rules of Appellate Procedure and the court’s local rules.