FCC’s Trusty prioritizes 6G spectrum and modernized satellite licensing frameworks

The push for 6G and streamlined satellite licensing signals a shift toward a software-defined, satellite-integrated delivery ecosystem for high-bandwidth video. By moving toward 'integrated sensing and communications,' the FCC hopes to enable autonomous systems and ubiquitous coverage that eliminates terrestrial dead zones. For the streaming industry, this suggests a future where high-resolution delivery is no longer limited by fixed or cellular footprints, provided the agency can resolve spectrum interference between legacy systems and new constellations. Strategic shifts in AI governance will further dictate how dynamically these networks manage congestion and data-intensive video traffic. Watch for for the FCC’s vote on the Space Modernization Order scheduled for July 22, 2026.

The FCC’s increased focus on spectrum modernization aligns with recent executive and legislative actions aimed at securing U.S. leadership in wireless technology. Per the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) in May 2026, the agency has launched Spectrum.gov to track progress on identifying hundreds of megahertz in the 7 GHz and 2.7 GHz bands for 6G use. This follows President Trump's 'Winning the 6G Race' memorandum issued in late 2025, which mandated the immediate study of federal spectrum for commercial reallocation. These efforts are intended to support AI-native networks capable of dynamic spectrum allocation and integrated environmental sensing at 'industrial scales.'

In the satellite sector, the regulatory environment is rapidly shifting from rigid protections for legacy geostationary (GSO) operators to more flexible, performance-based standards. Per the FCC's Space Modernization Order in May 2026, the commission replaced decades-old power-flux density (EPFD) limits with a framework allowing non-geostationary (NGSO) providers like SpaceX and Amazon to increase usable capacity by up to seven times. This shift is valued at over $2 billion in economic benefits and is a prerequisite for direct-to-device (D2D) services. Additionally, per Fierce Network in July 2026, SpaceX's recent acquisition of $17 billion in mid-band spectrum from EchoStar highlights the industry's rush to secure the bandwidth necessary for high-speed orbital broadband.

Simultaneously, the FCC is addressing the role of AI in communications to prevent a 'patchwork' of state-level rules. Per Broadband Breakfast in January 2026, Chairman Brendan Carr has advocated for federal preemption over AI regulation, comparing the desired 'light-touch' framework to early internet governance. This includes recent mandates for disclosure of AI-generated content in automated communications and a broader investigation into transparency requirements. As of June 2026, these federal initiatives are designed to provide the regulatory backbone for 'Standardized Sky' models, where standard mobile handsets authenticate directly via satellite constellations using existing SIM credentials.