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Regulatory Updates: January 2026

by | Jan 7, 2026 | Newsletter

FCC and ISED Regulatory Updates

FCC & ISED Regulatory Updates – January 2026

This page provides our January 2026 regulatory updates, highlighting recent FCC, ISED, and international compliance developments.

This month’s update focuses on International Approvals (IA) as teams prepare for 2026 global launches. We also cover several key FCC developments — including comment opportunities on UMFUS spectrum use, covered equipment policy updates, “Delete, Delete, Delete” obsolete rule removals, ISED consultation on SAR measurement requirements, and updated KDB guidance for Sub-THz devices.

In This Issue

January 2026 Regulatory Updates – Key Highlights

FCC: UMFUS Spectrum NPRM & Comment Deadlines

关于推动微波高频段频谱更集约化利用的举措,公开征集意见

Facilitating More Intensive Use of Upper Microwave Spectrum (UMFUS)

Comments are due by January 2, 2026; reply comments are due by February 2, 2026.

The Federal Communications Commission (“FCC” or “Commission”) seeks comment on a variety of measures aimed at facilitating more intensive use of spectrum in the 24 GHz, 28 GHz, upper 37 GHz, 39 GHz, 47 GHz, and 50 GHz bands (together, the UMFUS bands). These bands are shared between the terrestrial Upper Microwave Flexible Use Service (UMFUS) and the Fixed-Satellite Service (FSS) pursuant to the Commission’s rules. When the Commission created this framework in 2016, it assumed that UMFUS bands would be used intensively as a part of terrestrial 5G networks, that earth station deployment in the bands would be relatively light, and that the technical rules adopted were necessary to protect terrestrial UMFUS operations but not too onerous to chill FSS earth station siting. Since that time, it has become more clear how the bands are being used for terrestrial service and how growth in the space economy has increased interest in using the UMFUS bands for FSS. Given these shifts, the requirements contained in the Commission’s rules have proven to be an impediment to processing earth station applications in the bands. Accordingly, the NPRM would seek input on a variety of mechanisms that might facilitate more intensive use of the UMFUS bands and improve licensing efficiency.

55702–55713 [2025–21805] [PDF]

FCC: Covered Equipment / National Security FNPRM

FCC 就受管控设备相关的模块化发射机及零部件，进一步公开征集意见。

Protecting Against National Security Threats to the Communications Supply Chain Through the Equipment Authorization Program

The Federal Communications Commission (Commission or FCC) aims to further its actions in strengthening prohibitions on authorization of covered equipment and to clarify the rules and enforcement of such. The Commission seeks additional comment on modular transmitters and component parts in relation to covered equipment. The Commission addresses the partial court remand of the decision in its November 2022 EA Security R&O by proposing a definition of “critical infrastructure” as used on the Covered List and seeking comment on the implementation of that definition. The Commission also seeks comment on whether any modification to an authorized device by an entity identified on the Covered List should require a new application for certification. Finally, the Commission seeks comment on clarifying the scope of activities that constitute marketing of equipment and on measures to strengthen enforcement of marketing prohibitions.

  • Key Dates: Comments are due by January 5, 2026; reply comments are due by February 2, 2026.

FR Document: 2025-21928

FCC: Obsolete Rule Removals (“Delete, Delete, Delete”)

删除并废止过时法规

The Commission acts to eliminate certain outdated, obsolete, and unnecessary rules.

  • Effective Date: Effective February 10, 2026, unless significant adverse comments are received by January 2, 2026.

In the event the Commission receives significant adverse comments, the Commission will publish a timely withdrawal in the Federal Register informing the public the provisions of the rule(s) for which significant adverse comments were received and elimination will not take effect.

57698–57713 [2025–22633] [PDF]

FCC: Covered List Adds UAS & Components

Covered List 新增若干无人机及无人机零部件品类

FCC Updates Covered List to Include Foreign UAS and UAS Critical Components on Going Forward Basis Decision Helps Restore Our Airspace Sovereignty and Unleash American Drone Dominance Without Disrupting Ongoing Use of Previously Authorized Drones.

News Release: [PDF]
Public Notice: [PDF]

ISED: SAR Camera Protrusion Measurement Consultation

关于摄像头凸起部位比吸收率合规性测试要求,公开征求意见

CONSULTATION – Notice 2025-DRS0008 – Requirements on camera protrusion measurements for specific absorption rate compliance / Avis 2025-DRS0008

Comments must be submitted no later than February 10th, 2026

Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada (ISED) has published Notice 2025-DRS008 entitled Requirements on camera protrusion measurements for specific absorption rate compliance for consultation with stakeholders. Notice 2025-DRS008 clarifies the requirements on specific absorption rate (SAR) assessment of camera protrusions (also known as camera bumps) in accordance with section 5.14 of RSS-102.SAR.MEAS.

ISED: New RSS-252 Standard (5895–5925 MHz)

发布文件: RSS-252, Issue 3 ——5895–5925 MHz频段智能交通系统车载单元技术规范

PUBLICATION: RSS-252, Issue 3, Intelligent Transportation Systems’ (ITS) On-Board Units (OBUs) in the 5895 – 5925 MHz Band

Radio Standards Specification RSS-252, Issue 3, Intelligent Transportation Systems’ (ITS) On-Board Units (OBUs) in the 5895 – 5925 MHz Band, which sets out certification requirements for licence-exempt radio apparatus operating in the 5895 – 5925 MHz frequency band intended for use in Intelligent Transportation System (ITS) applications.

This document is now official and available on the Published documents page of the Spectrum management and telecommunications website.

ISED: Spectra System Maintenance Window

ISED系统即将关闭维护:2026年1月8日-12日(共5天)

Notice: ISED Spectra System Shutdown

The ISED Spectra system is scheduled for a maintenance shutdown lasting five days.

  • Shutdown Dates: January 8 to January 12, 2026 (5 days). Applicants should plan submissions accordingly to avoid this window.

View ISED Service Status Updates

FCC KDB: Updated Guidance (986446 D01 v04)

近期 FCC KDB更新

The FCC recently updated KDB 986446 regarding protecting against national security threats to the communications supply chain through the Equipment Authorization Program. As of December 8, 2025, 986446 D01 Covered Equipment Guidance v04 has replaced version v03 to provide updated staff-level guidance on how FCC 22-84 affects the authorization process.

FCC Amends Equipment Authorization Program

International Approvals: Preparing for 2026 Markets

Start with the Right Approvals.

As companies finalize their 2026 launch plans, ACB’s International Approvals (IA) Team is available to help you navigate the mandatory requirements for wireless, RF, and telecom products across multiple global markets—including Asia-Pacific, Europe, Africa, and Latin America.

Start the new year with a clean slate by ensuring you:

  • Confirm required country approvals
  • Validate documentation and technical requirements
  • Understand timelines and local restrictions
  • Avoid launch-blocking surprises

ACB’s International Approvals (IA) Team is available to help you navigate the mandatory requirements for wireless, RF, and telecom products across multiple markets — including Asia-Pacific, Europe, Africa, and Latin America. Learn How ACB Simplifies Global Market Access

Need Support? Whether you’re navigating new FCC rules, ISED updates, or international market approvals, ACB is here to help.

Missed last month?

Catch up on the December 2025 FCC and ISED updates

This newsletter is provided for informational purposes only. Always consult the official FCC and ISED publications for complete and current regulatory requirements.

Newsletter PDF

https://acbcert.com/wp-content/uploads/2026-January-American-Certification-Body-newsletter.pdf