FCC in 2026: Courts, Spectrum, AI Robocalls, and the Rules Shaping U.S. Connectivity

The FCC’s 2026 Agenda: Courts, Spectrum, AI Robocalls, and Consumer Labels

The Federal Communications Commission heads into mid‑2026 with a reshaped legal landscape, a renewed spectrum mandate, and a slate of consumer and media rules under pressure. This report summarizes what changed since 2024—and what to watch next as of April 25, 2026. (docs.fcc.gov )

Leadership and priorities under Chair Brendan Carr

Following the 2024 election cycle, Brendan Carr became FCC chair in January 2025, reorganizing bureau leadership and signaling a deregulatory tilt on several fronts, including broadcast and broadband policy. (docs.fcc.gov )

Key themes of Carr’s tenure so far:

• Emphasis on accelerating spectrum auctions and national security reviews tied to telecom infrastructure. (docs.fcc.gov )
• A tougher stance on certain media matters alongside scrutiny of long‑standing broadcast rules. (tlp.law )

Net neutrality: Reinstated in 2024, then set aside in 2025

• On April 25, 2024, the FCC (then led by Chair Jessica Rosenworcel) voted 3–2 to restore “open internet” rules by reclassifying broadband as a Title II service. A federal appeals court quickly stayed the rules that summer. (techblog.comsoc.org )
• On January 2, 2025, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit set aside the FCC’s 2024 Open Internet Order, concluding the agency lacked statutory authority for Title II reclassification. As a result, the 2018 regulatory framework (with transparency requirements but no federal no‑blocking/no‑throttling mandates) remains in effect pending any new congressional action. (dwt.com )

The ruling reflects a broader judicial environment that gives less deference to agencies on major policy questions, complicating future attempts to revive net neutrality without explicit legislation. (library.nclc.org )

Spectrum: Auction authority restored and an 800 MHz pipeline

Congress restored the FCC’s general auction authority through September 30, 2034 via P.L. 119‑21 (enacted July 4, 2025). The law also created a multi‑year spectrum pipeline and deadlines for identifying and auctioning bands. The FCC’s FY2027 budget materials detail the timetable and confirm that Auction 113 (unassigned AWS‑3 licenses) is scheduled to begin in June 2026. (docs.fcc.gov )

What’s on the near‑term spectrum calendar:

• June 2026: Auction 113 (AWS‑3) opens bidding. (docs.fcc.gov )
• By July 4, 2027: At least 100 MHz between 3.98–4.2 GHz must be auctioned; NTIA to identify additional federal spectrum toward an 800 MHz target. (docs.fcc.gov )

AI robocalls: New rules and headline enforcement

• On February 8, 2024, the FCC ruled that AI‑generated voices in robocalls qualify as “artificial” under the TCPA, making such calls subject to existing consent and enforcement standards. (apnews.com )
• In May–September 2024, the Commission proposed and then finalized a $6 million forfeiture against political consultant Steve Kramer tied to an AI voice‑cloning robocall that mimicked President Biden before the New Hampshire primary—an early, high‑profile AI enforcement case. (docs.fcc.gov )
• Building on that, in 2024 the FCC proposed disclosure rules requiring callers to tell consumers when AI is used and to clarify consent language for AI‑generated content—an item that continues to shape 2026 compliance planning. (docs.fcc.gov )

Broadband “nutrition labels”: Live since 2024, now up for streamlining

ISPs were required to display standardized “nutrition label” disclosures at points of sale starting April 10, 2024 for large providers and October 10, 2024 for smaller ones—covering price, fees, speeds, and more. (washingtonpost.com )

In October 2025, the FCC proposed cutting or simplifying several requirements (e.g., reading labels over the phone, machine‑readable files, ACP references, account‑portal display). Comments ran into early 2026, positioning the Commission to revise label obligations later this year. (docs.fcc.gov )

Media ownership: Court vacates TV “Top‑Four” limit

On July 23, 2025, the Eighth Circuit vacated parts of the FCC’s local TV ownership rule—specifically the restriction on common ownership of two “Top‑Four” stations in a market and an amendment to how “Top‑Four” status is determined—finding the agency’s justification arbitrary and capricious. Other ownership rules were largely upheld. The decision reopens consolidation pathways and forces the FCC to revisit its quadrennial review record. (tlp.law )

Digital discrimination rules: In court, outcome pending

The FCC’s November 2023 “digital discrimination” framework—implementing Section 60506 of the 2021 Infrastructure Act—is under challenge in the Eighth Circuit. As of April 2026, litigation remains active, and the rules’ ultimate scope and complaint processes could be reshaped by the court’s ruling. (communicationsdaily.com )

Affordability: ACP ended in June 2024; consumer advisories continue

The Affordable Connectivity Program formally ended on June 1, 2024 due to exhausted appropriations. The FCC has continued to warn consumers about outdated or misleading ACP claims on provider websites and marketing, while households now must rely on programs like Lifeline where eligible. (docs.fcc.gov )

Operations note: 2025 shutdown effects on mapping support

During the late‑2025 federal funding lapse, the FCC suspended most operations, including user and filer support for the Broadband Data Collection and National Broadband Map, before services resumed with new funding. (help.bdc.fcc.gov )

What to watch next in 2026

• Auction 113 (AWS‑3): Bidding slated for June 2026 will test appetite for mid‑band spectrum after a two‑year lapse in auction authority. (docs.fcc.gov )
• Broadband labels 2.0: The Commission could finalize streamlined label rules, changing how ISPs disclose fees and performance. (docs.fcc.gov )
• AI in communications: Expect stepped‑up TCPA enforcement and possible adoption of AI‑disclosure rules for calls and texts. (docs.fcc.gov )
• Courts and broadband policy: Watch the Eighth Circuit on digital discrimination and any congressional movement on net neutrality after the Sixth Circuit’s 2025 decision. (dwt.com )

Bottom line

The FCC’s docket in 2026 is defined as much by courts and Congress as by the agency itself. With auction authority restored and an AI enforcement playbook taking shape, the near‑term action pivots to spectrum bidding in June, label rule refinements, and pivotal appellate rulings that could reset the bounds of federal broadband policy once again. (docs.fcc.gov )