Communications and Technology Alert: June Open Commission Meeting Agenda; Toy Drones Removed from Covered List; NTIA Tribal Broadband Funding; MAP for Broadband Funding Act. [Vol. XXIII, Issue 25]
Commission Releases Final Open Commission Meeting Agenda
On June 25th, the Commission will hold the June Open Commission Meeting and address five items for consideration. The Commission will consider a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) requesting comment on when local and state statutes may have a prohibitive effect on the provision of wireline telecommunications services in violation of Section 253, as well as a Second Report and Order implementing modernized NG911 reliability rules in support of the Commission’s NG911 transition. The remaining items on the agenda include an NPRM requesting comment on protective measures for children while using E-rate funded networks, an NPRM to modernize the Emergency Alert System (EAS) and Wireless Emergency Alerts (WEA), and a Second Report and Order and Further Notice of Proposed Rulemaking to accelerate buildout of secure submarine cable infrastructure. For more information, please contact Wes Wright (wright@khlaw.com; 202.434.4239) or Tim Doughty (doughty@khlaw.com; 202.434.4271).
PSHSB Announces Removal of Toy Drones from Covered List
On June 15, the Commission’s Public Safety and Homeland Security Bureau (PSHSB) announced via Public Notice that a specific class of foreign-manufactured UAS defined as “Toy Drones” or “Toy Drones that contain foreign-produced components” would be removed from the Commission’s Covered List. As of last December, all UAS and UAS critical components produced in a foreign county were placed on the Covered List, deemed an “unacceptable risk to the national security of the United States and to the safety and security of U.S. persons.” However, upon a Determination from the Department of War (DoW), certain classes of devices and equipment may be removed from the list. The DoW’s recent Determination found that certain Toy Drones lack the capabilities and features to threaten national security, provided they do not meet certain altitudes, connectivity, and equipment thresholds. For more information, please contact Wes Wright (wright@khlaw.com; 202.434.4239) or Tim Doughty (doughty@khlaw.com; 202.434.4271).
NTIA Announces New Tribal Broadband Funding
Last Wednesday, the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) announced two new funding opportunities aimed at expanding broadband access on Tribal lands through the Tribal Broadband Connectivity Program and the Native Entities Grant Program. Together, the programs will make approximately $790 million available to support broadband infrastructure buildouts, increase connectivity, and fund related digital equity efforts in Tribal communities. The initiative is part of broader reforms designed to reduce administrative burdens, provide greater flexibility, and ensure federal funding more effectively meets the connectivity needs of Tribal nations. Applications opened on June 17, 2026, and will be accepted through September 17, 2026, with funding expected to begin being awarded in Spring 2027. For more information, please contact Casey Lide (lide@khlaw.com; 202.434.4186) or Sean Stokes (stokes@khlaw.com; 202.434.4193).
Broadband Mapping Bill Passes Senate
Last week, the Senate unanimously passed the MAP for Broadband Funding Act, which would require the Commission and NTIA to assess improvements to the procedures for creating broadband availability maps. The Act requires the Commission to launch a Notice of Inquiry into how the maps can be released in a timely and useful manner, to the benefit of agencies and the general public. To strengthen oversight, the Act directs federal agencies and the Government Accountability Office (GAO) to evaluate map maintenance and agency reporting metrics, with the goal of improving accountability and planning for future broadband investments. The Act will now require approval in the House of Representatives. 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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