Communications and Technology Alert: 900 MHz Satellite Experimentation; Broadband Data Collection Order; FCC Open Meeting Items; Nexstar Challenges Merger Preliminary Injunction [Vol. XXIII, Issue 21]

Commission Approves Anterix 900 MHz Satellite Experimentation

Last week, the Commission granted Lynk Global (a satellite company offering direct to device services) and Anterix's experimental license application to test the use of Lynk's satellites with Anterix's 935-940 MHz spectrum to provide direct-to-device services from space. The one-year experimental license authorizes 30-watt output power and 1828-watt ERP transmissions from space to 100 km radii around Minot, ND; Hilo HI, Checotah, OK; Jefferson, IA; Little Rock, AR; Roseburg, OR; and Dumas, TX. The experimental license is conditioned upon the Licensees' certification that the operations will not cause harmful interference. If your 900 MHz system begin to experience interference or you want more information about the potential impact of this license please contact Wes Wright (wright@khlaw.com; 202.434.4239) or Tim Doughty (doughty@khlaw.com; 202.434.4271)

Commission Releases Broadband Data Collection Order and FNPRM

Last Wednesday, the Commission approved a Report and Order overhauling the broadband data collection rules. The Sixth Report and Order, adopting proposals from the Commission’s Fourth Notice of Proposed Rulemaking, updates the definition of “broadband” to use the same meaning on both the Form 477 and BDC, streamlines reporting requirements for broadband availability and subscription data, simplifies verification and audit processes, and eliminates notification requirements during the Fabric development cycle. The Commission also approved a Further Notice of Proposed Rulemaking seeking further revisions to the Broadband Data Collection regulations, including proposals on how to address grandfathered data and best practices for mobile verification, data retention, and audit processes. For more information, please contact Casey Lide (lide@khlaw.com; 202.434.4186) or Sean Stokes (stokes@khlaw.com; 202.434.4193).

Further Items Approved at FCC Open Meeting

At the May 2026 Open Commission Meeting, the Commission approved three items in addition to streamlining broadband data collection processes. The Enhancing Know-Your-Upstream-Provider Requirement Further Notice of Proposed Rulemaking seeks comments to bolster the Commission's anti-robocall framework by tightening requirements and strengthening STIR/SHAKEN authentication standards to close loopholes exploited by illegal callers. The Modernizing the Disaster Information Reporting System (DIRS) Third Report and Order was adopted with the goal of modernizing DIRS, enhancing its functionality while reducing unnecessary reporting burdens so providers can deliver more timely data to emergency managers during crises. Finally, the Launching ‘High-Cost’ Program Initiative Notice of Proposed Rulemaking seeks input on how to best support next-generation broadband deployment through more modernized funding and policy approaches. For more information, please contact Wes Wright (wright@khlaw.com; 202.434.4239) or Tim Doughty (doughty@khlaw.com; 202.434.4271).

Nexstar Files Opening Brief Challenging Preliminary Injunction to Tegna Merger

Last Wednesday, Nexstar filed an opening brief with the Ninth Circuit requesting the court narrow a preliminary injunction issued by the district court, which placed restrictions on Nexstar’s integration of assets acquired from Tegna in a previously approved merger. After the Commission and other federal authorities had approved of the merger, DIRECTV and other States filed antitrust complaints, claiming that Nexstar could raise retransmission rates post-transaction which would degrade local news in multiple states. As a result, a California district court entered a preliminary injunction, issuing nationwide restrictions on Nexstar’s integration efforts. Nexstar challenges the injunction as overly broad and detrimentally impacts key employees and business relationships, while forcing Tegna to operate temporarily without Nexstar’s resources. 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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