DA 26-353
Released:  April 10, 2026

OFFICE OF INTERNATIONAL AFFAIRS ANNOUNCES EFFECTIVE DATE 
OF UPDATED FOREIGN OWNERSHIP RULES

Effective Date of Modifications to Sections 1.5000 to 1.5004 of the Rules is May 11, 2026

GN Docket No. 25-149

On January 29, 2026, the Federal Communications Commission (Commission) adopted the Foreign Ownership Report and Order that streamlined and clarified the Commission’s foreign ownership rules for broadcast and common carrier wireless and aeronautical licensees under section 310(b)(4) of the Communications Act of 1934, as amended (the Act). Review of Foreign Ownership Policies for Broadcast, Common Carrier and Aeronautical Radio Licensees under Section 310(b)(4) of the Communications Act of 1934, as Amended, GN Docket No. 25-149, Report and Order, FCC 26-3, 2026 WL 297818 (rel. Jan. 30, 2026), https://docs.fcc.gov/public/attachments/FCC-26-3A1.pdf (Foreign Ownership Report and Order); 47 CFR §§ 1.5000-1.5004; Federal Communications Commission, Review of Foreign Ownership Policies for Broadcast, Common Carrier and Aeronautical Radio Licensees, 91 Fed Reg 17863 (April 9, 2026) (Federal Register Notice). 
  The Commission adopted rules to codify its relevant definitions and concepts, clarify the information required in initial and remedial filings, minimize the need for additional filings, and promote efficient and shorter processing times of section 310(b) petitions for declaratory ruling. Foreign Ownership Report and Order at *1, para. 1.
  These actions further the Commission’s efforts to encourage investment in the United States while preserving the Commission’s ability to comprehensively review foreign investment in licensees “to protect the United States from new and evolving threats.” Id. at *1, para. 1 (citing Memorandum on America First Investment Policy, 2025 Daily Comp. Pres. Doc. 292 § 1 (Feb. 21, 2025), https://www.whitehouse.gov/presidential-actions/2025/02/america-first-investment-policy/).


By this Public Notice, the Office of International Affairs announces that the modifications to sections 1.5000 to 1.5004 of the Commission’s rules will be effective on May 11, 2026. See Federal Register Notice, 91 Fed. Reg. at 17863.  On April 9, 2026, the Commission published in the Federal Register a summary of the Foreign Ownership Report and Order and an announcement of the effective date of the rules.  See id.
  

For further information, contact Brenda D. Villanueva, Deputy Division Chief, Telecommunications & Analysis Division, Office of International Affairs, (202) 418-7131 or Brenda.Villanueva@fcc.gov. 

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