Communications and Technology Alert: 6 GHz Band Unlicensed Device Rules Effective Date; NENA 911 Advocacy Event; House Committee Requests Suspension of Space Modernization NPRM; Trusty Summit Remarks [Vol. XXIII, Issue 9]
New 6 GHz Band Unlicensed Devices Rules to Take Effect April 27th
Last week, a Commission final rule expanding unlicensed use of the 6 GHz band was published in the Federal Register, with an effective date of April 27th, 2026. The final rule establishes a new category of unlicensed devices, known as geofenced variable power (“GVP”) devices, which can operate outdoors and at higher power than previously authorized devices using spectrum that is primarily allocated to microwave communications. The new category will provide high data rates that are suitable for "virtual reality, short-range hotspots, automation processes, and indoor location and navigation." For more information, please contact Greg Kunkle (kunkle@khlaw.com; 202.434.4178) or Tim Doughty (doughty@khlaw.com; 202.434.4271).
NENA Holds 911 Advocacy Event in Washington D.C.
Last week, the National Emergency Number Association hosted 911 operators from across the country in Washington, D.C. to advocate for their Congressional representatives to support legislation aimed at improving emergency communication systems, including the Next Generation 9-1-1 Act, which would provide grant funding to assist state and local governments in upgrading their emergency dispatch systems to the NG911 standards. The bill's sponsor, House Communications and Technology Subcommittee Chairman Richard Hudson (R-NC), spoke at the event and indicated that he anticipated the bill progressing as soon as a dollar amount for the grant program is decided upon. At this event, the NG 9-1-1 Institute presented awards for the outstanding 9-1-1 call center and professionals of the year. For more information, please contact Wes Wright (202.434.4239; wright@khlaw.com).
House Committee Requests Suspension of Space Modernization NPRM
Last week, the House Science, Space, and Technology Committee sent a letter to Chairman Brendan Carr requesting the Commission suspend or “substantially narrow” a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (“NPRM”) revising the Commission’s rules for licensing space and earth stations under Part 25 with a new part, known as Part 100. In the letter, Committee leadership cited that some of the Commission’s proposals fall outside the agency’s statutory authority, such as requiring applicants to certify compliance with space safety and collision risk thresholds unrelated to spectrum management. These certifications and requirements, the Committee stated, have been delegated to other agencies, and also conflict with Executive Branch direction regarding private space activities. For more information, please contact Wes Wright (wright@khlaw.com; 202.434.4239) or Tim Doughty (doughty@khlaw.com; 202.434.4271).
Commissioner Trusty Delivers Remarks at Fiber Broadband Association Public Policy Summit
On February 24th, Commissioner Olivia Trusty delivered remarks on the state of national broadband networks, and the ways the Commission’s Build America Agenda is helping to streamline fiber deployments. Commissioner Trusty highlighted the agenda’s purpose to reduce costs and delays related to permitting, as well as increase pole access enforcement. Additionally, Commissioner Trusty credited the ongoing Delete-Delete-Delete proceedings with reducing outdated, obsolete, and unduly burdensome regulations as a key factor in expediting future deployments. Trusty also focused on the Commission’s embrace of next-generation technologies which can help in “closing the digital divide.” In underserved communities. For more information, please contact Casey Lide (lide@khlaw.com; 202.434.4186) or Sean Stokes (stokes@khlaw.com; 202.434.4193).
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