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SEC: Updated Statement Regarding the Division of Corporation Finance's Role in the Exchange Act Rule 14a-8 Process
WASHINGTON, Aug. 15 -- The Securities and Exchange Commission issued the following statement on Aug. 14, 2026:
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Updated Statement Regarding the Division of Corporation Finance's Role in the Exchange Act Rule 14a-8 Process
Division of Corporation Finance
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On November 17, 2025, the Division announced that for the 2025-2026 proxy season (October 1, 2025 - September 30, 2026) it would not respond to no-action requests or express any views regarding companies' intended reliance on any basis for excluding shareholder proposals under Rule 14a-8, except for no-action requests to exclude a proposal
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WASHINGTON, Aug. 15 -- The Securities and Exchange Commission issued the following statement on Aug. 14, 2026:
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Updated Statement Regarding the Division of Corporation Finance's Role in the Exchange Act Rule 14a-8 Process
Division of Corporation Finance
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On November 17, 2025, the Division announced that for the 2025-2026 proxy season (October 1, 2025 - September 30, 2026) it would not respond to no-action requests or express any views regarding companies' intended reliance on any basis for excluding shareholder proposals under Rule 14a-8, except for no-action requests to exclude a proposalunder Rule 14a-8(i)(1).[1] The Division also stated that, if a company wished to receive a response for any proposal that it intended to exclude pursuant to a basis other than Rule 14a-8(i)(1), the company or its counsel could include, as part of its notification pursuant to Rule 14a-8(j), an unqualified representation that the company had a reasonable basis to exclude the proposal based on the provisions of Rule 14a-8, prior published guidance, and/or judicial decisions.
In those situations, the Division stated that it would respond with a letter indicating that, based solely on the company's or counsel's representation, the Division would not object if the company omitted the proposal from its proxy materials.
In order to focus Division resources on the review of Securities Act and Exchange Act filings, including those reviews that are statutorily required, for the protection of investors and facilitation of capital formation, and in light of the extensive body of guidance from the Commission and the staff available to both companies and proponents on Rule 14a-8, the Division has determined to discontinue responding to Rule 14a-8 no-action requests entirely, including those submitted under Rule 14a-8(i)(1),[2] effective immediately, unless and until the Division announces otherwise. It also will no longer respond to notices filed under Rule 14a-8(j) with a letter indicating that it will not object if a company omits a proposal from its proxy materials. Although the staff "has for many years engaged in the informal practice of expressing its enforcement position" in response to notices submitted under Rule 14a-8(j), the Commission has also long recognized that "[n]o response or other action by the Commission or its staff is required in regard to such communications."[3]
Companies will continue to be required under Rule 14a-8(j) to submit notices to the Commission containing the information required by the rule when they intend to exclude shareholder proposals from their proxy materials. Companies should submit those notices using the online Shareholder Proposal Form. In addition, the Division's shareholder proposal email address is no longer functional. Companies and shareholder proponents should submit any questions or other correspondence using the Shareholder Proposal Form.
The Division of Investment Management is responsible for reviewing Rule 14a-8 requests related to investment companies. In order to focus the Division of Investment Management resources on the review of investment company filings for the protection of investors and facilitation of capital formation, the staff of the Division of Investment Management will take a substantially similar approach as set forth above. Any notices submitted pursuant to Rule 14a-8(j) related to investment companies must be submitted to the Division of Investment Management by email to IMshareholderproposals@sec.gov. Companies and shareholder proponents should submit any questions or other correspondence concerning investment companies to the Division of Investment Management's Disclosure Review and Accounting Office at IMshareholderproposals@sec.gov or 202-551-6921.
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[1] Statement Regarding the Division of Corporation Finance's Role in the Exchange Act Rule 14a-8 Process for the Current Proxy Season (Nov. 17, 2025), available at https://www.sec.gov/newsroom/speeches-statements/statement-regarding-division-corporation-finances-role-exchange-act-rule-14a-8-process-current-proxy-season.
[2] The Division did not receive any no-action requests to exclude a proposal under Rule 14a-8(i)(1) during the 2025-2026 proxy season.
[3] Statement of Informal Procedures for the Rendering of Staff Advice with Respect to Shareholder Proposals, Release No. 34-12599 (July 7, 1976) [41 FR 29989 (July 20, 1976)].
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Original text here: https://www.sec.gov/newsroom/speeches-statements/corpfin-statement-rule-14a-8-process-081426
Federal Maritime Commission Initiates Proceedings Involving Indian Connection, Ocean Carriers
WASHINGTON, Aug. 15 -- The Federal Maritime Commission Administrative Law Judge Linda S. Harris Crovella issued an initial order on Aug. 14, 2026, setting the procedural framework for a complaint proceeding before the regulatory body.
The case, titled "The Indian Connection LLC, Complainant v. CMA CGM (America) LLC; Pridel Private Limited; and Eagle Maritime of America Inc., Respondents" (Docket No. 26-11), originated following a notice of filing of complaint and assignment issued by the agency on Aug. 7, 2026.
Under established agency regulations, respondents named in the action have 25 days
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WASHINGTON, Aug. 15 -- The Federal Maritime Commission Administrative Law Judge Linda S. Harris Crovella issued an initial order on Aug. 14, 2026, setting the procedural framework for a complaint proceeding before the regulatory body.
The case, titled "The Indian Connection LLC, Complainant v. CMA CGM (America) LLC; Pridel Private Limited; and Eagle Maritime of America Inc., Respondents" (Docket No. 26-11), originated following a notice of filing of complaint and assignment issued by the agency on Aug. 7, 2026.
Under established agency regulations, respondents named in the action have 25 daysfrom the service date of the complaint to file an answer. Failure to meet this requirement opens the possibility of a default decision against non-responding parties pursuant to 46 C.F.R. Sec. 502.62(b).
The administrative mandate requires the issuance of an initial decision within one year of the proceeding's inception. To ensure compliance with this timeline, the order highlights strict guidelines governing the discovery period. According to agency rules, discovery must conclude within 150 days of the service of an answer. Parties are required to meet and confer to formulate a schedule covering initial disclosures and expert discovery. These consultations also aim to eliminate disputes, shorten discovery windows, and utilize stipulations or admissions where appropriate. Within 15 days of receiving an answer, all involved parties must submit a joint status report containing a proposed timetable that aligns with the 150-day discovery window and the one-year overall deadline. Additionally, initial disclosures must occur within seven days after an answer is filed.
Alongside trial preparations, the order mandates participation in alternative dispute resolution. Within 15 days of service of an answer, the parties must conduct a preliminary conference with the Office of Consumer Affairs and Dispute Resolution Services to explore potential mediation. These preliminary meetings may take place in person, over the phone, or through video conferencing. Participating in dispute resolution discussions will not stay or halt administrative proceedings. Parties must state in their joint status report whether contact with the dispute resolution office occurred and if mediation was agreed upon, while withholding specific settlement positions or arguments. The order notes that under 46 U.S.C. Sec. 41305(e) and related agency precedents, attorney fees can be awarded to prevailing parties under designated conditions, underscoring the necessity for quick progression through procedural milestones.
The administrative law judge highlighted procedural requirements for all future filings, attachments, and confidential submissions. Earlier rules mandating paper filings, original ink signatures, and mail service remain waived under active agency directives. Filings sent via email to secretary@fmc.gov, with copies to judges@fmc.gov and opposing counsel, serve as the primary submission method. Submissions and attached exhibits must contain clear page numbers or risk rejection. Exhibits must be consolidated into single PDF files with unique, sequential Bates numbering prefixes, such as CX for complainant exhibits and RX for respondent exhibits.
Submissions containing commercial secrets or proprietary data require parallel filings, consisting of a full confidential version with highlighted target text and a public version displaying identical pagination with redacted text. Confidential filings must include an accompanying motion justifying protection under 46 C.F.R. Sec. 502.141(j)(1), along with a standardized Bates-numbered confidential request table. Citations to official reporters like F.M.C., F.M.C.2d, or Westlaw require specific details, including full case names, docket numbers, decision-maker designations, and precise service dates. Unreported opinions from outside databases must be transmitted directly to the administrative law judge via email. Motions for summary decision must contain a separate statement of material facts consisting of short, numbered paragraphs with specific record citations. Opposing filings must systematically admit or deny each proposition with supporting evidentiary references.
The order also highlights the absolute obligation of all parties to preserve potential evidence, including electronically stored information, throughout the administrative action. Answers submitted by respondents must indicate whether an oral hearing is requested, alongside a designated geographic preference. The presiding administrative law judge will make the final determination regarding the necessity of an oral hearing. Parties are encouraged to enter into factual stipulations to eliminate uncontested matters and narrow issues ahead of prehearing statements.
-- Vidhi Gianani, Targeted News Service
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Original text here: https://www2.fmc.gov/readingroom/docs/26-11/(06)%2026-11%20Initial%20Order.pdf/
FEC Issues Digest for Week of Aug. 10-14, 2026
WASHINGTON, Aug. 15 -- The Federal Election Commission issued the following weekly digest:
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Commission meetings and hearings
No open meetings or executive sessions were scheduled this week.
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Advisory Opinions
Request Received
Advisory Opinion Request 2026-02 (https://www.fec.gov/data/legal/advisory-opinions/2026-02/) (Cascade Party of Washington) On August 11, the Commission made public an advisory opinion request from the Cascade Party of Washington. The requestor asks the Commission to confirm its status as a state committee of a political party under the Federal Election Campaign
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WASHINGTON, Aug. 15 -- The Federal Election Commission issued the following weekly digest:
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Commission meetings and hearings
No open meetings or executive sessions were scheduled this week.
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Advisory Opinions
Request Received
Advisory Opinion Request 2026-02 (https://www.fec.gov/data/legal/advisory-opinions/2026-02/) (Cascade Party of Washington) On August 11, the Commission made public an advisory opinion request from the Cascade Party of Washington. The requestor asks the Commission to confirm its status as a state committee of a political party under the Federal Election CampaignAct and Commission regulations. The Commission will accept written comments on the request during the 10-day period following publication of the request (no later than August 21).
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Litigation
DCCC v. FEC (Case No. 24-2935) On August 10, Plaintiff filed a Supplemental Memorandum in Support of Summary Judgment, Intervenor-Defendant NRSC filed a Supplemental Brief in Support of its Motion to Dismiss and in Opposition to Plaintiff's Motion for Summary Judgment, and the Commission filed a Supplemental Brief in the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia.
National Republican Senatorial Committee, et al. v. FEC, et al. (Case No. 24-3051) On August 10, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit issued an Order and a Judgment, remanding the case to the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Ohio for further proceedings consistent with the Supreme Court's Opinion of June 30, 2026.
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Reports Due in 2026
The Commission has posted the 2026 Congressional Pre-Election Reporting Dates. Reporting schedules for all filers in 2026 are also available.
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Election Dates
The Commission has posted a list of 2026 Congressional Primary Dates.
Upcoming educational opportunities
September 16, 2026: The Commission is scheduled to host a webinar on Independent Expenditures and Pre-Election Communications.
For more information on upcoming training opportunities, see the Commission's Trainings page.
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Upcoming reporting due dates
August 20: August Monthly Reports are due. For more information, see the 2026 Monthly Reporting schedule.
The Commission has posted filing information regarding the California 14th District Special Runoff Election, scheduled for August 18, 2026.
The Commission has posted filing information regarding the Georgia 13th District Special Runoff Election, scheduled for August 25, 2026.
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Additional research materials
Contribution Limits: In addition to the current limits, the Commission has posted an archive of contribution limits that were in effect going back to the 1975-1976 election cycles.
Federal election results are available. The data was compiled from the official vote totals published by state election offices.
FEC Notify: Want to be notified by email when campaign finance reports are received by the agency? Sign up here.
The Combined Federal State Disclosure and Election Directory is available. This publication identifies the federal and state agencies responsible for the disclosure of campaign finances, lobbying, personal finances, public financing, candidates on the ballot, election results, spending on state initiatives, and other financial filings.
The Presidential Election Campaign Fund Tax Checkoff Chart provides information on balance of the Fund, monthly deposits into the Fund reported by the Department of the Treasury, payments from the Fund as certified by the FEC, and participation rates of taxpayers as reported by the Internal Revenue Service. For more information on the Presidential Public Funding Program, see the Public Funding of Presidential Elections page.
The FEC Record is available as a continuously updated online news source.
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Original text here: https://www.fec.gov/updates/week-of-august-10-14-2026/
FCC Wireline Competition Bureau Issues Public Notice: Commission Seeks Comment on Petition for Rulemaking on Lifeline Agent Requirements
WASHINGTON, Aug. 15 -- The Federal Communications Commission's Wireline Competition Bureau issued the following public notice (WC Docket No. 11-42):
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By this Public Notice, the Wireline Competition Bureau seeks comment on a petition for rulemaking (Petition) from Universal Marketing, LLC (Universal Marketing), requesting the Commission initiate a rulemaking in its Lifeline program to "elevate the professional, academic, and economic standards required to hold an active National Verifier Agent ID."/1 In its Petition, Universal Marketing proposes, among other things, that the Commission should
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WASHINGTON, Aug. 15 -- The Federal Communications Commission's Wireline Competition Bureau issued the following public notice (WC Docket No. 11-42):
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By this Public Notice, the Wireline Competition Bureau seeks comment on a petition for rulemaking (Petition) from Universal Marketing, LLC (Universal Marketing), requesting the Commission initiate a rulemaking in its Lifeline program to "elevate the professional, academic, and economic standards required to hold an active National Verifier Agent ID."/1 In its Petition, Universal Marketing proposes, among other things, that the Commission shouldrequire verification that agents responsible for enrolling Lifeline program subscribers have a high school diploma or similar degree, implement "a structural cap on the maximum number of active Agent IDs permitted to operate simultaneously within a specific ZIP code or municipal boundary," and require the Universal Service Administrative Company to perform localized field audits of agents./2
Pursuant to section 1.405 of the Commission's rules, 47 CFR Sec. 1.405, interested parties may file comments or oppositions to Universal Marketing's Petition on or before September 14, 2026 and reply comments on or before September 29, 2026. All pleadings should reference WC Docket No. 11-42 and may be filed using the Commission's Electronic Comment Filing System (ECFS) or by filing paper copies./3
* Electronic Filers: Comments may be filed electronically using the Internet by accessing the ECFS: https://www.fcc.gov/ecfs/.
* Paper Filers: Parties who choose to file by paper must file an original and one copy of each filing.
- Filings can be sent by hand or messenger delivery, by commercial courier, or by the U.S. Postal Service. All filings must be addressed to the Secretary, Federal Communications Commission.
- Hand-delivered or messenger-delivered paper filings for the Commission's Secretary are accepted between 8:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. by the FCC's mailing contractor at 9050 Junction Drive, Annapolis Junction, MD 20701. All hand deliveries must be held together with rubber bands or fasteners. Any envelopes and boxes must be disposed of before entering the building.
- Commercial courier deliveries (any deliveries not by the U.S. Postal Service) must be sent to 9050 Junction Drive, Annapolis Junction, MD 20701.
- Filing sent by U.S. Postal Service First-Class Mail, Priority Mail, and Priority Mail Express must be sent to 45 L Street NE, Washington, DC 20554.
People with Disabilities. To request materials in accessible formats for people with disabilities (braille, large print, electronic files, audio format), send an e-mail to fcc504@fcc.gov or call the Consumer & Governmental Affairs Bureau at 202-418-0530 (voice).
Ex Parte Rules. The proceeding in this Notice shall be treated as a "permit-but-disclose" proceeding in accordance with the Commission's ex parte rules./4 Persons making ex parte presentations must file a copy of any written presentation or a memorandum summarizing any oral presentation within two business days after the presentation (unless a different deadline applicable to the Sunshine period applies). Persons making oral ex parte presentations are reminded that memoranda summarizing the presentation must: (1) list all persons attending or otherwise participating in the meeting at which the ex parte presentation was made and (2) summarize all data presented and arguments made during the presentation. If the presentation consisted in whole or in part of the presentation of data or arguments already reflected in the presenter's written comments, memoranda, or other filings in the proceeding, the presenter may provide citations to such data or arguments in his or her prior comments, memoranda, or other filings (specifying the relevant page and/or paragraph numbers where such data or arguments can be found) in lieu of summarizing them in the memorandum. Documents shown or given to Commission staff during ex parte meetings are deemed to be written ex parte presentations and must be filed consistent with section 1.1206(b) of the Commission's rules./5 In proceedings governed by section 1.49(f) of the rules or for which the Commission has made available a method of electronic filing, written ex parte presentations and memoranda summarizing oral ex parte presentations, and all attachments thereto, must be filed through the electronic comment filing system available for that proceeding, and must be filed in their native format (e.g., .doc, .xml., .ppt, searchable .pdf)./6 Participants in this proceeding should familiarize themselves with the Commission's ex parte rules.
For further information regarding this Notice, please contact Michael Alonso Michael.Alonso@fcc.gov of the Telecommunications Access Policy Division, Wireline Competition Bureau.
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Footnotes:
1/ Universal Marketing LLC Formal Regulatory Petition for Administrative Rulemaking, WC Docket Nos. 11-42 and 21-450 (filed July 6, 2026) (Petition) at 1.
2/ Id. at 4-5.
3/ See Electronic Filing of Documents in Rulemaking Proceedings, 63 Fed. Reg. 24121 (1998).
4/ See 47 CFR Sec.Sec. 1.1200 et seq.
5/ Id. Sec. 1.1206(b).
6/ Id.
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Original text here: https://docs.fcc.gov/public/attachments/DA-26-856A1.pdf
FCC Wireline Competition Bureau Issues Public Notice: Comments Invited on AT&T's Section 214 Applications to Discontinue Domestic Legacy Voice Service as Part of Technology Transition
WASHINGTON, Aug. 15 -- The Federal Communications Commission's Wireline Competition Bureau issued the following public notice (WC Docket Nos. 26-200, 26-201):
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Unless otherwise specified, the following procedures and dates apply to the application(s) (the Section 214 Discontinuance Application(s)) listed in the Appendix.
The Wireline Competition Bureau (Bureau), upon initial review, has found the Section 214 Discontinuance Application(s) listed herein to be acceptable for filing and subject to the procedures set forth in Section 63.71 of the Commission's rules./1 The application(s) request
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WASHINGTON, Aug. 15 -- The Federal Communications Commission's Wireline Competition Bureau issued the following public notice (WC Docket Nos. 26-200, 26-201):
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Unless otherwise specified, the following procedures and dates apply to the application(s) (the Section 214 Discontinuance Application(s)) listed in the Appendix.
The Wireline Competition Bureau (Bureau), upon initial review, has found the Section 214 Discontinuance Application(s) listed herein to be acceptable for filing and subject to the procedures set forth in Section 63.71 of the Commission's rules./1 The application(s) requestauthority, under section 214 of the Communications Act of 1934, as amended,/2 and section 63.71 of the Commission's rules,/3 to discontinue, reduce, or impair certain domestic telecommunications service(s) (Affected Service(s)) in specified geographic areas (Service Area(s)) as applicable and as fully described in each application.
In accordance with section 63.71(f) of the Commission's rules, the Section 214 Discontinuance Application(s) listed in the Appendix will be deemed granted automatically on September 14, 2026, the 31st day after the release date of this public notice, unless the Commission notifies any applicant(s) that their grant will not be automatically effective./4 We note that the date on which an application for Commission authorization is deemed granted may be different from the date on which applicants are authorized to discontinue service ("Authorized Date"). Any applicant whose application has been deemed granted may discontinue their Affected Service(s) in their Service Area(s) on or after the authorized discontinuance date(s) specified in the Appendix, in accordance with their filed representations. Accordingly, pursuant to section 63.71(f), and the terms outlined in each application, absent further Commission action, each applicant may discontinue the Affected Service(s) in the Service Area(s) described in their application on or after the authorized discontinuance date(s) listed in the Appendix for that application. For purposes of computation of time when filing a petition for reconsideration, application for review, or petition for judicial review of the Commission's decision(s), the date of "public notice" shall be the later of the auto grant date stated above in this Public Notice, or the release date(s) of any further public notice(s) or order(s) announcing final Commission action, as applicable. Should no petitions for reconsideration, applications for review, or petitions for judicial review be timely filed, the proceeding(s) listed in this Public Notice shall be terminated, and the docket(s) will be closed.
Comments objecting to the application listed in the Appendix must be filed with the Commission on or before August 31, 2026./5 Comments should refer to the specific WC Docket No. and Comp. Pol. File No. listed in the Appendix for the Section 214 Discontinuance Application. Comments should include specific information about the impact of the proposed discontinuance on the commenter, including any inability to acquire reasonable substitute service. Comments may be filed using the Commission's Electronic Comment Filing System (ECFS). Electronic Filers: Comments may be filed electronically using the Internet by accessing the ECFS: https://www.fcc.gov/ecfs. Filers should follow the instructions provided on the Web site for submitting comments. Generally, only one copy of an electronic submission must be filed. In completing the transmittal screen, filers should include their full name, U.S. Postal Service mailing address, and the applicable docket number./6
Paper Filers: Parties who choose to file by paper must file an original and one copy of each filing. Filings can be sent by hand or messenger delivery, by commercial courier, or by the U.S. Postal Service. All filings must be addressed to the Secretary, Federal Communications Commission. Hand-delivered or messenger-delivered paper filings for the Commission's Secretary are accepted between 8:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. by the FCC's mailing contractor at 9050 Junction Drive, Annapolis Junction, MD 20701. All hand deliveries must be held together with rubber bands or fasteners. Any envelopes and boxes must be disposed of before entering the building. Commercial courier deliveries (any deliveries not by the U.S. Postal Service) must be sent to 9050 Junction Drive, Annapolis Junction, MD 20701. Filings sent by U.S. Postal Service First-Class Mail, Priority Mail, and Priority Mail Express must be sent to 45 L Street NE, Washington, DC 20554.
This proceeding shall be treated as a "permit-but-disclose" proceeding in accordance with the Commission's ex parte rules./7 Persons making ex parte presentations must file a copy of any written presentation or a memorandum summarizing any oral presentation within two business days after the presentation (unless a different deadline applicable to the Sunshine period applies). Persons making oral ex parte presentations are reminded that memoranda summarizing the presentation must (1) list all persons attending or otherwise participating in the meeting at which the ex parte presentation was made, and (2) summarize all data presented and arguments made during the presentation. If the presentation consisted in whole or in part of the presentation of data or arguments already reflected in the presenter's written comments, memoranda or other filings in the proceeding, the presenter may provide citations to such data or arguments in his or her prior comments, memoranda, or other filings (specifying the relevant page and/or paragraph numbers where such data or arguments can be found) in lieu of summarizing them in the memorandum. Documents shown or given to Commission staff during ex parte meetings are deemed to be written ex parte presentations and must be filed consistent with rule 1.1206(b). In proceedings governed by rule 1.49(f) or for which the Commission has made available a method of electronic filing, written ex parte presentations and memoranda summarizing oral ex parte presentations, and all attachments thereto, must be filed through the electronic comment filing system available for that proceeding, and must be filed in their native format (e.g., .doc, .xml, .ppt, searchable .pdf). Participants in this proceeding should familiarize themselves with the Commission's ex parte rules.
People with Disabilities: To request materials in accessible formats for people with disabilities (braille, large print, electronic files, audio format), send an e-mail to fcc504@fcc.gov or call the Consumer & Governmental Affairs Bureau at 202-418-0530.
For further information, please see the contact(s) for the specific discontinuance proceeding you are interested in as listed in the Appendix. For further information on procedures regarding section 214 please visit https://www.fcc.gov/general/domestic-section-214-discontinuance-service.
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Footnotes:
1/ 47 CFR Sec. 63.71.
2/ 47 U.S.C. Sec. 214.
3/ 47 CFR Sec. 63.71.
4/ See 47 CFR Sec. 63.71(f)(1) (stating, in relevant part, that an application filed by a non-dominant carrier "shall be automatically granted on the 31st day... unless the Commission has notified the applicant that the grant will not be automatically effective"); see also 47 CFR Sec. 63.71(f)(2)(i) (stating that "[a]n application to discontinue, reduce, or impair an existing retail service as part of a technology transition, as defined in Sec. 63.60(i), may be automatically granted... if: The applicant provides affected customers with the notice required under paragraph (a)(6) of this section, and the application contains the showing or certification described in Sec. 63.602(b)"); Accelerating Wireline Broadband Deployment by Removing Barriers to Infrastructure Investment, WC Docket No. 17-84, Order, DA 25248, para. 6 (WCB Mar. 20, 2025) (waiving the Adequate Replacement Test's "single replacement service" requirement for a period of two years when a carrier seeks to discontinue a legacy voice service pursuant to section 214(a), thereby allowing carriers to satisfy all three prongs of the Adequate Replacement Test with a bundled service); Technology Transitions, GN Docket No. 13-5, Order on Clarification, DA 25-250, para. 6 (WCB Mar. 20, 2025) (clarifying the applicability of the testing methodology and parameters required for meeting the streamlining criteria when a carrier submits a technology transition discontinuance application relying on the "totality of the circumstances" under the Adequate Replacement Test).
5/ Comments are normally due 15 days after the Commission releases public notice of the proposed discontinuance. 47 CFR Sec. 63.71(a). For purposes of computation of time, if the comment deadline falls on a weekend or officially recognized Federal legal holiday, however, comments will be due on the next business day. See 47 CFR Sec. 1.4(e) and (j).
6/ Please note that Commission staff may share filed comments with the applicant(s), along with the commenter's contact information, in order to allow applicant(s) to identify affected customers in the proposed discontinuance area and fully respond.
7/ 47 CFR Sec. 1.1200 et seq.
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Original text here: https://docs.fcc.gov/public/attachments/DA-26-861A1.pdf
FCC Public Safety & Homeland Security Bureau Issues Public Notice: Conditional Approval, Exemption of Certain Routers From FCC Covered List
WASHINGTON, Aug. 15 -- The Federal Communications Commission Public Safety and Homeland Security Bureau issued the following public notice (WC Docket No. 18-89; ET Docket No. 21-232; EA Docket No. 21-233):
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The Federal Communications Commission's (FCC or Commission) Public Safety and Homeland Security Bureau (PSHSB or Bureau) maintains a list of equipment and services (Covered List) that have been determined to "pose an unacceptable risk to the national security of the United States or the security and safety of United States persons."/1 Pursuant to section 2 of the Secure and Trusted Communications
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WASHINGTON, Aug. 15 -- The Federal Communications Commission Public Safety and Homeland Security Bureau issued the following public notice (WC Docket No. 18-89; ET Docket No. 21-232; EA Docket No. 21-233):
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The Federal Communications Commission's (FCC or Commission) Public Safety and Homeland Security Bureau (PSHSB or Bureau) maintains a list of equipment and services (Covered List) that have been determined to "pose an unacceptable risk to the national security of the United States or the security and safety of United States persons."/1 Pursuant to section 2 of the Secure and Trusted CommunicationsNetworks Act of 2019 (Secure Networks Act)/2 and sections 1.50002(a) and 1.50003 of the Commission's rules,/3 PSHSB announces that the Department of War (DoW) has granted Conditional Approval for certain routers. Therefore, such devices are exempt from the Covered List.
Recent Additions of Routers to the Covered List:
On March 23, 2026, the Commission added to the Covered List "routers produced in a foreign country, except routers which have been granted a Conditional Approval by DoW or DHS."/4 This addition was based on a National Security Determination from an Executive Branch interagency body, including several appropriate national security agencies, determining (among other things) that routers produced in a foreign country pose an unacceptable risk to the national security of the United States and to the safety and security of U.S. persons./5
Conditional Approvals:
The Executive Branch interagency body established a process by which entities producing routers in foreign countries can request DoW or the Department of Homeland Security to evaluate whether such devices do not pose unacceptable risks to national security and receive Conditional Approvals that would exempt such devices from the Covered List. The Commission has updated the Covered List to reflect the Conditional Approvals that we have received from the DoW exempting certain routers from the Covered List./6
DoW has reviewed the submissions and granted Conditional Approvals for the following devices:
* Askey Computer, Corp.'s ASK-NCM1100, ASK-NCM1100E, ASK-NCM3000, and ASK-NCQ8000 routers (terminating February 3, 2028)
* Zyxel Communications, Inc.'s EE4210-00, EE6610-00, and 5GNR (NR5331) routers (terminating February 3, 2028)
DoW's determination regarding Askey Computer, Corp.'s routers supersedes an earlier National Security Determination made for the company./7
The Covered List:
We find that each of these Conditional Approvals constitute "a specific determination" by DoW that such devices do not pose risks to U.S. national security./8 Therefore, we conclude that PSHSB is required to update the Covered List to exclude the equipment identified in these Conditional Approvals.
PSHSB takes this action under its authority and obligation to publish and maintain the Covered List. Sections 1.50002(a) and 1.50003 of the Commission's rules require PSHSB to publish the Covered List on the Commission's website, to maintain and update the Covered List, and to monitor the status of determinations./9
The Covered List and the list of devices that have received Conditional Approvals are attached as Appendices A and B to this Public Notice and can also be found on the Bureau's website at https://www.fcc.gov/supplychain/coveredlist./10
We note the continued availability of FCC staff guidance pursuant to sections 0.191 and 0.31(i) of the Commission's rules. Commission staff will provide guidance to TCBs, test labs, and equipment authorization applicants on the impact of these updates.
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Footnotes:
1/ Secure and Trusted Communications Networks Act of 2019, Pub. L. No. 116-124, 133 Stat. 158 (2020) (codified as amended at 47 U.S.C. Sec.Sec. 1601-1609) (Secure Networks Act); 47 CFR Sec.Sec. 1.50002, 1.50003. For the current version of the Covered List, see Federal Communications Commission, List of Equipment and Services Covered By Section 2 of The Secure Networks Act, https://www.fcc.gov/supplychain/coveredlist (last updated July 28, 2026).
2/ 47 U.S.C. Sec. 1601.
3/ 47 CFR Sec.Sec. 1.50002(a), 1.50003; see also Protecting Against National Security Threats to the Communications Supply Chain Through FCC Programs, WC Docket No. 18-89, Second Report and Order, 35 FCC Rcd 14284 (2020) (Supply Chain Second Report and Order).
4/ FCC's Public Safety and Homeland Security Bureau Announces Addition of Routers Produced in Foreign Countries to FCC Covered List, WC Docket No. 18-89, Public Notice, DA 26-278 (Mar. 23, 2026) (Routers Public Notice).
5/ Routers Public Notice at 2.
6/ See, e.g., FCC's Public Safety and Homeland Security Bureau Announces Conditional Approval of Certain Routers and Uncrewed Aircraft Systems (UAS) and Exemption from FCC Covered List, WC Docket No. 18-89, Public Notice, DA-26-351 (April 14, 2026). The list of devices that have received Conditional Approvals can be found on the Bureau's website at https://www.fcc.gov/supplychain/coveredlist.
7/ See FCC's Public Safety and Homeland Security Bureau Announces Conditional Approval and Exemption of Certain Uncrewed Aircraft Systems and Routers from FCC Covered List, WC Docket No. 18-89, Public Notice, DA 26-758 (July 24, 2026).
8/ See Routers Public Notice, Appx. C.
9/ 47 CFR Sec.Sec. 1.50002(a), 1.50003. See Supply Chain Second Report and Order, 35 FCC Rcd at 14319, 14325, paras. 72, 77, 92.
10/ The FCC website also contains a list of certain affiliates and subsidiaries of entities identified on the Covered List. The list of affiliates and subsidiaries does not constitute a comprehensive list of all entities that the Commission may find, upon further examination, to qualify as relevant subsidiaries or affiliates of entities on the Covered List. Those entities, whether or not they currently provide covered communications equipment or services, are subject to the Commission's prohibitions, such as the prohibition against obtaining authorizations for covered equipment. See Reminder: Communications Equipment And Services On The Covered List Pose An Unacceptable Risk To National Security, National Security Advisory No. 2025-01, DA 25-927, n.3 (PSHSB Oct. 14, 2025).
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Original text here: https://docs.fcc.gov/public/attachments/DA-26-850A1.pdf
FCC Broadband Report Shows Rapid Expansion of High-Speed Internet
WASHINGTON, Aug. 15 -- The Federal Communications Commission issued the following statement on Aug. 14, 2026, by Chairman Brendan Carr:
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FCC Broadband Report Shows Rapid Expansion of High-Speed Internet
Re: Inquiry Concerning Deployment of Advanced Telecommunications Capability to All Americans in a Reasonable and Timely Fashion, GN Docket No. 25-223, 2026 Section 706 Report (Aug. 14, 2026).
Today's Section 706 Report shows that President Trump's policies and the Commission's Build America agenda are delivering real results for the American people. More Americans than ever have access
... Show Full Article
WASHINGTON, Aug. 15 -- The Federal Communications Commission issued the following statement on Aug. 14, 2026, by Chairman Brendan Carr:
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FCC Broadband Report Shows Rapid Expansion of High-Speed Internet
Re: Inquiry Concerning Deployment of Advanced Telecommunications Capability to All Americans in a Reasonable and Timely Fashion, GN Docket No. 25-223, 2026 Section 706 Report (Aug. 14, 2026).
Today's Section 706 Report shows that President Trump's policies and the Commission's Build America agenda are delivering real results for the American people. More Americans than ever have accessto affordable, next-gen services. The digital divide is rapidly closing. And a range of data sets show that speeds are up, prices are down, and competition is intensifying.
This report also gets the Commission back to what Congress directed us to do under Section 706: to determine "whether advanced telecommunications capability is being deployed to all Americans in a reasonable and timely fashion." By returning to that straightforward directive, we are able to better evaluate whether new deployments across a range of technologies are delivering meaningful results for Americans.
The numbers speak for themselves. Today, almost 95% of American homes and businesses are covered by 5G at 35/3 Mbps speeds. The percentage of rural Americans lacking access to 100/20 Mbps fixed terrestrial broadband service decreased by over 44% since the last 706 Report. After factoring in satellite, rural broadband deployment is approaching universal availability. Competition is also growing. As of June 2025, 77% of Americans have access to three or more fixed services at 100/20 Mbps.
Other data show that our policies are also having a big impact on pricing and speeds. Actual prices for wireless service have now fallen four times more during President Trump's first 18 months in office compared to the same time under President Biden. Between late 2024 to early 2026, fixed wireless upload speeds increased by 36.9%, while download speeds rose by 25.1%.
Despite the tremendous progress we have made so far, there is more work to do. The Commission will continue to remove regulatory barriers and encourage new builds. We have streamlined the process to transition from outdated copper lines to high-speed, reliable networks. We'll continue to deliver on President Trump's spectrum pipeline plan by executing spectrum auctions and approving secondary market transactions. These Build America agenda initiatives are integral to unleashing fast, affordable broadband nationwide.
Thank you to staff for their hard work on this item, including AJ Burton, Jodie May, Ed Krachmer, Rachael Sznajder, Joseph Calascionne, Rich Mallen, Derek Yeo, Barbara Esbin, Matt Warner, Garnet Hanley, Susannah Larson, Kerry Murray, Stephanie Neville, Amanda Betag, Judith Dempsey, Cole Campbell, Mack Wachala, Molly Schwarz, and Steve Kauffman.
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Original text here: https://docs.fcc.gov/public/attachments/FCC-26-55A2.pdf
