FCC to Vote Oct. 29 on Section 214 International Authorization Overhaul
A circulated draft FCC order would cut the foreign-ownership disclosure threshold from 10% to 5%, add cybersecurity and Covered List certifications, and force a one-time filing by every Section 214 authorization holder.
The FCC is scheduled to vote October 29, 2026 on a draft Report and Order and Further Notice of Proposed Rulemaking in the Evolving Risks proceeding (IB Docket No. 23-119), circulated October 8 and expressly subject to change. If adopted, the rules would take effect 60 days after Federal Register publication, though the amendments to sections 63.18, 63.19, 63.21 and 63.24 and the one-time collection would await OMB Paperwork Reduction Act clearance.
Existing authorization holders would face a one-time collection covering cross-border facilities, 5% direct or indirect equity and voting interests, services and markets, third-party providers, cybersecurity programs, Covered List usage and character certifications, with forfeitures and revocation for noncompliance. The foreign-ownership disclosure threshold would fall from 10% to 5%; new grants must commence service within one year; three months of inactivity would trigger surrender. The Further Notice items remain proposals only, including presumptive disqualification of foreign-adversary-linked applicants and restrictions on IRU, dark fiber and capacity lease arrangements.
Counsel should audit authorizations, vendor and managed-service supply chains and cyber programs now, and watch for the adopted text and comment deadlines.