FCC, ONAP Announce New Tribal Telecommunications Opportunities and Program Updates
Written by Bambi Kraus, Chief, Office of Native Affairs and Policy, FCC in Agency Updates
Date: 09/14/2026
The Office of Native Affairs and Policy (ONAP) provides the following Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Updates.
Filing Window for New NCE Reserved Band FM Translator Applications
On July 6, 2026, the FCC’s Media Bureau released a Public Notice (DA 26-666) to announce the revised dates of the first-ever filing window for new noncommercial educational (NCE) reserved band FM translator construction permit applications. This upcoming window will provide Tribes, among others, the opportunity to apply for a new NCE FM translator station in the reserved band (Channel Nos. 201-220; 88.1 – 91.9 MHz). The filing window will open at 12:01 a.m. ET on Wednesday, November 4, 2026, and close at 6:00 p.m. ET on Tuesday, November 17, 2026.
FCC Chairman Carr Announced Additional Appointments to the FCC’s Native Nations Communications Task Force (NNCTF) and Date of First Meeting
On July 16, 2026, the FCC issued a Public Notice (DA 26-737) announcing FCC Chairman Carr’s additional appointments to the FCC’s NNCTF and setting the date of first meeting on August 4, 2026. The NNCTF’s mission is to provide guidance, expertise, and recommendations to specific requests from the FCC on a range of telecommunications issues that directly or indirectly affect Tribal governments and their people. This will enhance the FCC’s ability to carry out its statutory responsibilities to ensure the availability of communications by wire and radio and encourage broadband deployment to all Americans. For more information on the Task Force click here.
Wireline Competition Bureau Seeks Nominations for Eight Board Member Positions,
including a Representative for Tribal communities, on the Universal Service Administrative
Company (USAC) Board of Directors
The FCC’s Wireline Competition Bureau seeks nominations for positions on the Board of Directors of the Universal Service Administrative Company (USAC), including a representative for Tribal communities. Each position has a three-year term expiring on December 31, 2029, except where indicated otherwise. Nominations are due October 20, 2026. See the Public Notice (DA 26-877) for more information.
Open Proceeding: Reviewing the FCC’s E-Rate Program
On June 25, the FCC adopted a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking and Further Notice of Proposed Rulemaking seeking comment on proposals aimed at ensuring that E-Rate funded networks and services are used properly for educational purposes and that program integrity is strengthened. Under the E-Rate program, eligible schools, libraries, and consortia may apply for discounts on eligible telecommunications, Internet access, and internal connection services. Comments due October 13, 2026, and Reply comments due November 12, 2026.
Recent ONAP Activities
ONAP held an FCC Tribal Workshop on August 20-21, 2026, at the U.S. Department of the Interior National Indian Programs Training Center in Albuquerque, NM. Visit the workshop’s event page for copies of the agenda, slides, and other meeting materials.
ONAP offered a virtual Quarterly Informational Webinar on July 29, 2026. The agenda and slides are available on the ONAP Workshops and Events Archive page.