FCC Reforms Foreign Ownership Rules And Filing Processes For Petitions For Declaratory Ruling

On January 29, 2026, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC or Commission) adopted a Report and Order (Order) codifying definitions and procedures that govern the disclosure and approval processes for foreign ownership of entities that hold FCC licenses and authorizations. According to the Order, these changes are intended to "promote efficient and shorter processing times of Section 310(b) petitions." ¶ 1.

The Order will take effect 30 days after publication in the Federal Register, although the effective date of certain rules adopted in the Order is delayed indefinitely pending Office of Management and Budget review and approval. Below, we provide background on this rulemaking and summarize the key aspects of the Order.