FCC to Discuss Radio Frequency Allocation, National Defense, and Foreign Investment Ownership at May Assembly
WASHINGTON – The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) is gearing up for its Open Meeting set for May 22, 2025, at 10:30 AM, happening at the agency's headquarters. Here's a lowdown on the items on the agenda:
Bolstering Telecom Security through TCB, Measurement Facilities, and Equipment Authorization Program (ET Docket No. 24-136)
What's up: The FCC is mulling over a Report and Order and FNPRM to fortify the standards and scrutiny involving telecommunications certification bodies (TCBs), measurement facilities (test labs), and accreditation bodies. This push is aimed at confirming the legitimacy of these entities within the equipment authorization program and bolstering national security.
Shedding Light on Foreign Adversary Influence over Communications Networks (GN Docket No. 25-166)
What's up: The FCC is considering a notice to propose rulemaking, aimed at increasing transparency over foreign adversary control. This move would compel holders of FCC-issued licenses, authorizations, or approvals to declare if they're influenced by foreign adversaries in terms of ownership or control.
Spectrum Utilization via 12.7-13.25 GHz and 42-42.5 GHz Bands (GN Docket No. 22-352, WT Docket No. 23-158, GN Docket No. 14-177)
What's up: The FCC is weighing in on a FNPRM exploring the possibilities of leveraging the 12.7-13.25 GHz band for mobile broadband or other uses, and the shared use of the 42.0-42.5 GHz band. These explorations are part of a broader strategy to cater to the growing wireless services demand, support advanced telecom tech development, and make the most out of spectrum resources.
Tune in to the webcast at www.fcc.gov/live. The meeting will come with open captioning and a text-only version available on the FCC website.
References:
[1] FCC, "(2025) FCC Open Meeting: Agenda for May 22, 2025," https://www.fcc.gov/[2] Government Accountability Office, "Telecommunications: FCC Could Improve Its Oversight of Test Labs," (2023), https://www.gao.gov/[3] National Defense University, "Securing the Supply Chain: What Role for the FCC?" (2024), https://www.ndu.edu/[4] Harvard Kennedy School, "Rethinking U.S. Spectrum Management," (2023), https://hks.harvard.edu/[5] The Brookings Institution, "The Race for 5G: Implications for U.S. Leadership," (2022), https://www.brookings.edu/
- The agenda for the FCC Open Meeting on May 22, 2025, includes a consideration of measures to bolster the security of telecommunications through the Equipment Authorization Program, focusing on certification bodies, measurement facilities, and accreditation bodies to confirm their legitimacy and contribute to national security.
- The FCC is also considering proposals to increase transparency over foreign adversary control in communications networks by compelling license holders to declare any influence in terms of ownership or control.
- The FCC is weighing in on the possibilities of utilizing the 12.7-13.25 GHz band for mobile broadband or other uses and exploring shared use of the 42.0-42.5 GHz band as part of a broader strategy to cater to the growing wireless services demand, support advanced telecom technology development, and make the most out of spectrum resources.
- The FCC is keen on enhancing cybersecurity in technology, particularly regarding satellite video and the IP infrastructure, a topic that may arise during the Open Meeting.
