Revisions to FCC Foreign Ownership Rules Take Effect May 11, 2026

April 14, 2026

On April 9, 2026, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC or Commission) published a Report and Order (Order) codifying definitions and procedures that govern the disclosure and approval processes for foreign ownership of entities that hold certain FCC licenses and authorizations. The new rules go into effect May 11, 2026.

As we discussed in greater detail here, the new rules adopted in the Order codify, amend, and clarify existing FCC practices and procedures for foreign entities required to file a petition for declaratory ruling in order to hold an FCC authorization. Specifically, the Order codifies the definition of “a controlling U.S. parent” for foreign ownership determination purposes as “the first controlling entity organized in the United States that is above the licensee(s) in the vertical chain of control and does not itself hold a license subject to [S]ection 310(b).” The Order also amends the FCC’s advance approval rule for foreign entities seeking to increase their ownership interests, codifies certain requirements for trusts and trustees holding interests in FCC authorization holders, extends remedial petition for declaratory ruling processes to privately held entities, and codifies existing practices for submitting amendments to a pending petition for declaratory ruling, among other things.

Wiley’s Telecom, Media & Technology, National Security practitioners can help navigate these evolving issues. If you have questions about the Order, please contact one of the authors of this alert.