FCC Strategic Plan The Federal Communications Commission's Strategic Plan for Fiscal Years 2026-2030, setting goals to accelerate high-speed internet builds, promote national security and public safety, protect consumers and free speech, and enhance efficiency and accountability. PLANNING AND PERFORMANCE AT THE FCC ^^ The FCC’s FY 2026 – 2030 Strategic Plan provides the framework around which the FCC determines its annual performance plan and budget request. The FCC annually submits its performance plan as part of its budget request to Congress. The annual performance plan includes performance targets for the current fiscal year that stem from the FCC’s strategic goals and objectives and serves as the annual guide for implementing the FCC’s Strategic Plan. After each fiscal year, an annual performance report is produced that compares the agency’s actual performance to its targets. Copies of these may be viewed at: Strategic Plans and Budget | Federal Communications Commission. https://www.fcc.gov/about/strategic-plans-budget ^^ PROGRAM EVALUATION ^^ The FCC uses a variety of methods to evaluate its programs including internal risk assessments, audits from the FCC’s Office of Inspector General (OIG), and reports from the Government Accountability Office (GAO). The FCC annually works with its Bureaus and Offices as well as with its reporting components for the Universal Service Fund, Telecommunications Relay Service fund, and North America Numbering Plan fund to assess the risks the FCC is facing to meet its strategic goals and objectives. Using this information, the FCC can make improvements to its operations and program management on an ongoing basis to better achieve its goals. The OIG, an independent oversight organization within the FCC, conducts audits, investigations, and reviews relating to the FCC’s programs and operations. Information on the OIG’s work can be found at: Office of Inspector General | Federal Communications Commission. The GAO, an independent organization established by Congress, conducts evaluations and analyses and makes recommendations to improve practices of the programs it reviews. GAO reports concerning the FCC’s activities can be found at: http://www.gao.gov/. ^^ Submitter's Note: Some of the Strategies are missing in the Other Information elements of this StratML rendition because they could not be extracted from the PDF source. Federal Communications Commission FCC _9e36cc5e-ab0b-11ed-b3a1-c6ca2683ea00 The FCC regulates interstate and international communications by radio, television, wire, satellite, and cable in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, and U.S. territories. The Commission is the federal agency responsible for implementing and enforcing America’s communications laws, regulations, and advancing technological innovation. Brendan Carr Chairman, Federal Communications Commission To regulate interstate and international communications by radio, television, wire, satellite, and cable in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, and U.S. territories. 0e9ed88f-f22a-45f5-b016-686789ec53c3 Internet Promote a pro-growth agenda to unleash the U.S. economy and give all Americans a fair shot at next-generation connectivity by getting spectrum policy right and cutting red tape for network deployment. c2a3b4d5-6e7f-4a8b-9c0d-1e2f3a4b5c6d 1 Accelerate High-Speed Internet Builds ~ The FCC must promote a pro-growth agenda to unleash the U.S. economy and give all Americans a fair shot at next-generation connectivity. Maintaining and extending U.S. leadership in wireless communications is fundamental to that effort. Getting spectrum policies right translates directly into bringing Americans across the digital divide, creating jobs, and growing the U.S. economy. Through our spectrum auction authority, the FCC will enable greater and more intensive use of spectrum— particularly prime, mid-band spectrum—to harness the promise of new wireless technologies. The FCC must also cut red tape to help ensure that providers roll out upgraded, high-speed networks to more Americans on a faster timeline. The FCC must utilize the full complement of its capabilities to free up unused and underutilized spectrum to serve as a catalyst for innovation and growth. Spectrum Expand commercial access to mid-band spectrum and seek reauthorization of auction authority from Congress. d3b4c5e6-7f8a-4b9c-0d1e-2f3a4b5c6d7e 1.1 Mid-Band Spectrum Access ~ The FCC has held over 100 auctions since it was first granted auction authority in 1993, raising more than $233 billion in revenues. To advance strong economic growth and dominate in next-generation wireless technologies, the U.S. must create a pipeline to expand commercial access to mid-band spectrum, which is particularly useful for 5G deployments. ^^ STRATEGIES ^^ with the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) to identify federal spectrum that can be repurposed for full-power commercial use. ^^ Strategy 4: Manage and administer the FCC’s Technological Advisory Council (TAC) to gain valuable insight and actionable recommendations from stakeholders regarding next generation wireless innovations to inform technology policies supporting America’s competitiveness and spurring technology adoption, national priorities, and job creation in the global economy. ^^ Strategy 5: Represent the Commission’s interests when engaging external stakeholders on spectrum reallocation and repurposing matters. PERFORMANCE METRICS ^^ ❑ By July 4, 2027, complete the competitive bidding process for at least 100 megahertz of the 3.98-4.2 GHz band for mobile broadband use ^^ ❑ By July 4, 2029, complete the competitive bidding process of not less than 200 MHz identified by NTIA ^^ ❑ Increase in the amount of spectrum available to the U.S. population for commercial use Broadband Reduce barriers to broadband deployment through streamlined infrastructure rules and modernized universal service programs. e4c5d6f7-8a9b-4c0d-1e2f-3a4b5c6d7e8f 1.2 Broadband Deployment Barriers ~ The U.S. is experiencing surging consumer demand for high quality, next-generation services at lower costs and with lower latencies. Businesses are also shifting or expanding products and services from brick-and-mortar locations to the Internet to generate growth and reach new customers, transcending geographical boundaries. The FCC will accelerate high-speed broadband deployments by streamlining regulations and fostering the growth of next-generation communication services. ^^ STRATEGIES ^^ Strategy 1: ^^ Strategy 2: ^^ Strategy 4: ^^ PERFORMANCE METRICS ^^ ❑ % in broadband serviceable location units served by at least one fixed terrestrial broadband provider with high-speed connectivity (i.e., ≥ 100/20 Mbps) ^^ ❑ % in broadband serviceable location units served by two or more fixed terrestrial broadband providers with high-speed connectivity (i.e., ≥ 100/20 Mbps) ^^ ❑ % increase in deployment of Fiber to the Premises, cable, LEO, 5G, and other scalable lastmile solutions across serviceable locations ^^ ❑ % increase in broadband adoption Space & Wireless Ensure access to spectrum resources necessary to fuel space, mobile broadband, and unlicensed wireless device sector growth. f5d6e7a8-9b0c-4d1e-2f3a-4b5c6d7e8f9a 1.3 Space and Wireless Growth ~ Unleash faster, more robust broadband and other services from both space-based and terrestrial networks. Expand basic high-speed access that targets broader coverage, particularly in underserved areas while improving network capacity and user experience to support more demanding applications. Advance policies that promote ultra-fast connectivity to enable readiness for next-generation applications, smart cities, and economic competitiveness. ^^ STRATEGIES ^^ Strategy 1: Enable faster and more robust direct-to-cell service by allowing providers to operate with more flexibility to enable better coverage in remote areas. ^^ Strategy 2: Facilitate use of ^^ Strategy 3: Boost U.S. presence in the space sector by expediting review and approval of applications to launch new satellites, especially by startups, to keep pace with the growth and innovation in the space industry, expand connectivity, and help ensure the U.S. stays competitive in the global space race. ^^ Strategy 4: Open additional portions of spectrum for more intensive and efficient use, to include supporting emerging and advanced technologies, to ensure the U.S. is at the forefront of innovation. ^^ Strategy 5: Reinforce the FCC’s experimental licensing program to expedite research, development, testing, and demonstration of emerging and space technologies. ^^ PERFORMANCE METRICS ^^ ❑ 50% of experimental license applications processed within 10 days; 90% of experimental license applications processed within 90 days ^^ ❑ Reduce average processing time for satellite and earth station applications within 120 days ^^ ❑ # of waivers reviewed and approved for Part 15 unlicensed devices for developing/deploying emerging and innovating technologies ^^ ❑ % decrease in broadband serviceable locations lacking satellite broadband at speeds of at least 100 Mbps down / 20 Mbps up ^^ ❑ % increase in 5G mobile broadband availability throughout the U.S. Technology Transitions Alleviate regulatory requirements to facilitate technology transitions, including the retirement of copper networks, and innovation. a6e7f8b9-0c1d-4e2f-3a4b-5c6d7e8f9a0b 1.4 Technology Transition Rules ~ Copper infrastructure is one of the oldest elements of our Nation’s telecommunications networks. Many copper networks are deteriorating, requiring maintenance that is expensive, while serving a decreasing number of consumers. This has led to an increased demand for transition from copper networks to alternative technologies. Through its regulatory and policy framework, the FCC will ensure Americans continue to have reliable access to robust communication services. ^^ STRATEGIES ^^ Strategy 1: Waive or eliminate outdated rules to foster investments in modern high-speed infrastructure. ^^ Strategy 2: Streamline the process for retiring copper networks and discontinuing legacy services. ^^ Strategy 3: Timely review transactions that promote accelerated broadband deployment, increase network efficiencies, and reduce service costs to consumers. ^^ PERFORMANCE METRICS ^^ ❑ 100% of complete-as-filed streamlined wireline transactions reviewed and processed within 90 days ^^ ❑ 80% of complete-as-filed non-streamlined wireline transactions reviewed and processed within 180 days when foreign ownership review is not required ^^ ❑ 100% of complete-as-filed streamlined discontinuance applications reviewed and processed within 90 days ^^ ❑ % change in total locations with copper connections as the only terrestrial broadband option available Security & Safety Safeguard U.S. communications networks from foreign adversary threats and ensure the public and first responders have access to reliable, resilient communications. b7f8a9c0-1d2e-4f3a-4b5c-6d7e8f9a0b1c 2 Promote National Security and Public Safety ~ The U.S. continues to face persistent threats from foreign adversaries that explore ways to breach our networks, devices, and technology ecosystem. The FCC plays a vital role in safeguarding national security by protecting U.S. communications networks from equipment and services that pose national security risks, and by ensuring the resiliency of our critical communications networks. To safeguard and strengthen U.S. communications networks, the FCC must take concrete actions to address the human, technological, and natural threats and hazards jeopardizing the safety and prosperity of Americans and American companies. The Commission must bring to bear the full range of its regulatory, investigatory, and enforcement authorities and capabilities to maintain awareness of and respond to threats and hazards, align America’s technological and national security priorities, and do its part to promote the security and stability of the Nation. Also, America’s leadership in wireless deployment and standard setting is critical to our geopolitical leadership and national security. It ensures next-generation wireless services develop in ways that will benefit our innovators and interests—rather than regimes that seek to diminish America’s standing in the world. ^^ The FCC develops and implements policies to fulfill its responsibility to ensure that first responders and the American public have access to effective and reliable communications during emergencies. The FCC supports 911 and public safety entities to protect the safety of life and property and to safeguard the Nation’s security. To that end, the FCC develops rules and policies to ensure that the public safety community in the U.S. uses limited spectrum resources to serve the public with freedom from harmful interference, access to the latest technologies, and minimal regulatory constraints. The FCC also engages with Canada and Mexico to develop cross-border spectrum and frequency use agreements to promote efficient use of spectrum by U.S. public safety agencies and commercial operators offering services to public safety agencies in border areas. The FCC also works closely with other U.S. government agencies and its international counterparts to help build international coalitions regionally and globally to lead secure network initiatives, protect the communications supply chain, and minimize security vulnerabilities of interconnected global communications infrastructure. National Security Establish and advance the work of the FCC Council on National Security to reduce supply-chain dependence on foreign adversaries and mitigate espionage and surveillance vulnerabilities. c8a9b0d1-2e3f-4a4b-5c6d-7e8f9a0b1c2d 2.1 Council on National Security ~ The Council has a three-part goal: ^^ 1) reduce the American technology and telecommunications sectors’ trade and supply chain dependencies on foreign adversaries; ^^ 2) investigate and mitigate America’s vulnerabilities to espionage and surveillance by foreign adversaries; and ^^ 3) ensure the U.S. wins the strategic competition with China over critical technologies. ^^ These technologies include, among others, 5G and 6G, AI, satellites and space, quantum computing, robotics and autonomous systems, and the Internet of Things. ^^ STRATEGIES Strategy 1: Secure the Nation’s communications supply chain. ^^ Strategy 2: Maintain a list of as well as communications equipment and services reducing number of applications and modifications referred to the Executive Branch for national security or foreign policy review. ^^ PERFORMANCE METRICS ^^ ❑ % of Supply Chain Reimbursement Program recipients completing the removal, replacement, and/and disposal of covered equipment ^^ ❑ Reduce the # of international section 214 holders with foreign adversary ownership ❑ # of “bad labs” denied or targeted for removal ^^ ❑ Reduce the # of submarine cables having foreign adversary ownership or using covered equipment Critical Infrastructure Critical Infrastructure Resilience ~ Support the interoperability, resiliency, security, and rapid restoration of critical communications infrastructure and the public safety community's access to spectrum resources. d9b0c1e2-3f4a-4b5c-6d7e-8f9a0b1c2d3e 2.2 The FCC must continue to take measures to facilitate the rapid restoration of critical communications infrastructure during disasters, emergencies, and significant service disruptions. The FCC will coordinate with Federal, state, local, Tribal, and territorial government partners and industry stakeholders to support disaster response and to ensure the Nation’s defense and homeland security. The FCC will s ^^ STRATEGIES ^^ PERFORMANCE METRICS ^^ ❑ 95% of all public safety radio applications reviewed within 45 days ^^ ❑ Increase in # of agencies with access to the Network Outage Reporting System and Disaster Information Reporting System ^^ ❑ % of submarine cable operators reached prior to and after hurricane or other disaster affecting areas where submarine cables land Communications Restore U.S. international leadership in space and terrestrial-based communications. e0c1d2f3-4a5b-4c6d-7e8f-9a0b1c2d3e4f 2.3 International Space Leadership ~ The FCC will advance U.S. interests for the allocation and use of the radiofrequency spectrum and associated orbital resources at the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) and other international venues. The FCC will collaborate with partners and allies to promote innovative spectrum uses. ^^ STRATEGIES ^^ PERFORMANCE METRICS ^^ ❑ 95% of all applications reviewed for radio systems along the northern and southern border within 45 days of receipt ^^ ❑ Reduction of cross-border interference; reduction in resolution timeframe if/when it occurs ^^ ❑ Within 30 days, process U.S. operator requests for foreign markets for SCS services ^^ ❑ Reduction of maritime interference incidents and safety of life incidents 911 Services Promote the public's and first responders' access to reliable 911 and Next Generation 911 services. f1d2e3a4-5b6c-4d7e-8f9a-0b1c2d3e4f5a 2.4 Next Generation 911 ~ First responders rely on 911 and NG 911 services to keep the public safe. The FCC plays an important role in making sure that 911 services are reliable and accurate. ^^ STRATEGIES ^^ PERFORMANCE METRICS ^^ ❑ % of 911 calls that meet FCC-mandated horizontal and vertical location-accuracy benchmarks across all technology deployments and across both nationwide and non-nationwide wireless carriers, as verified through testing and certification results ^^ ❑ % of non-nationwide providers using dispatchable location or z-axis technology across their networks ^^ ❑ % of Originating Service Providers that have timely responded to valid requests for implementation of NG911 by state/local 911 authorities Emergency Alerting Advance emergency alerting capabilities that are more responsive to public safety and consumer needs. a2e3f4b5-6c7d-4e8f-9a0b-1c2d3e4f5a6b 2.5 The FCC must continue promoting the public’s access to effective and reliable emergency alerting capabilities, with the goal of encouraging the public to take protective action during emergencies and reducing the number of consumers opting out of life-saving services. Maintain resilient and cutting-edge capabilities for the President to communicate with the public during a national crisis. ^^ STRATEGIES ^^ PERFORMANCE METRICS ^^ ❑ % of EAS participants that participate in EAS tests ^^ ❑ % of false alert reports to the FCC that are reviewed and acted on within 30 days ^^ ❑ # of geographic overshoot incidents caused by wireless network failures annually reported to the FCC Consumers & Speech Prioritize consumer protection and empower consumer choice in a rapidly changing communications landscape while protecting free speech and access to information. b3f4a5c6-7d8e-4f9a-0b1c-2d3e4f5a6b7c 3 Protect Consumers and Promote Free Speech ~ Advancements in communications services and technologies have created new challenges for American consumers. The FCC will continue to prioritize consumer protection and empower consumer choice in a rapidly changing communications landscape. The FCC will pursue effective enforcement and new approaches to protect consumers from illegal calls, phone-based scams, and other marketplace trends that affect consumers. The FCC will work to pursue policies that protect free speech and access to information, including efforts to foster media competition and ensure access to local news sources. The FCC must also continue to ensure the availability of quality, functionally equivalent communications services to persons with disabilities. Robocalls Crack down on illegal robocalls through expanded call-blocking, enforcement action, and public outreach. c4a5b6d7-8e9f-4a0b-1c2d-3e4f5a6b7c8d 3.1 Illegal Robocalls ~ Illegal robocalls continue to defraud American consumers. The FCC has made combatting unlawful robocalls and malicious caller ID spoofing a top consumer protection priority. The FCC will use the full complement of tools at its disposal to protect consumers, including proposing and implementing impactful policy initiatives and pursuing strong enforcement actions. The FCC is also taking unprecedented steps to combat the growing problem of scam text messaging. ^^ STRATEGIES ^^ PERFORMANCE METRICS ^^ ❑ # of voice service providers that cure RMD filings or are removed from the RMD for deficiencies/CDLs ^^ ❑ Increase in the # of providers implementing call authentication frameworks (STIR/SHAKEN) ^^ ❑ Increase in the # of voice service providers that use Do-Not-Originate lists to facilitate blocking of illegal calls ^^ ❑ # of robocall complaints filed with the FCC Media Platforms Ensure consumers have access to information of choice and advanced telecommunications and technologies across traditional and non-traditional media platforms. d5b6c7e8-9f0a-4b1c-2d3e-4f5a6b7c8d9e 3.2 Media Access and Choice ~ The FCC will foster competition across all media platforms by pursuing policies that will level the playing field for traditional and non-traditional media content creators. ^^ STRATEGIES ^^ PERFORMANCE METRICS ^^ ❑ % reduction in accessibility-related complaints filed with the FCC ^^ ❑ By 2027, 100% of U.S. wireless subscribers have access to voice-to-988 georouting ^^ ❑ By 2027, 95% of U.S. wireless subscribers have access to 988 text messaging georouting ^^ ❑ By 2028, remaining 5% of U.S. wireless subscribers have access to 988 text messaging georouting Consumer Protection Ensure that FCC policies consider consumer protection issues across all technologies and sectors, including privacy and accessibility. e6c7d8f9-0a1b-4c2d-3e4f-5a6b7c8d9e0f 3.3 Cross-Sector Consumer Protection ^^ STRATEGIES ^^ PERFORMANCE METRICS ^^ ❑ Reduction in # and severity of data breaches in the telecommunications industry because of cybersecurity measures ^^ ❑ # of consumer education campaigns developed in response to consumer protection issues Efficiency, Accountability & Waste Enhance Efficiency and Accountability, and Reduce Waste ~ Unleash prosperity through deregulation and manage the organization's resources consistent with Administration policies and the authorities provided by Congress. f7d8e9a0-1b2c-4d3e-4f5a-6b7c8d9e0f1a 4 The FCC will unleash prosperity through deregulation and ensure that they are efficiently delivering great results for the American people. The FCC will manage and direct the organization’s resources consistent with Administration policies and the authorities provided by Congress. Regulatory Overreach Reduce regulatory overreach and eliminate unnecessary regulations through the Delete, Delete, Delete initiative. a8e9f0b1-2c3d-4e4f-5a6b-7c8d9e0f1a2b 4.1 Regulatory Overreach Reduction ~ The FCC will unleash prosperity through deregulation and ensure that they are efficiently delivering great results for the American people. The FCC will manage and direct the organization’s resources consistent with Administration policies and the authorities provided by Congress. Transparency & Timeliness Promote transparency and timeliness in operations, including modernized IT and streamlined procurement. b9f0a1c2-3d4e-4f5a-6b7c-8d9e0f1a2b3c 4.2 Operational Transparency ~ Update and maintain systems and provide timely information about the status of Commission activities, initiatives, and decision-making with the public. Improve customer service across FCC’s operations and effectively defend the agency in litigation. Employ data-driven approach to identifying and implementing operational efficiencies. ^^ STRATEGIES ^^ PERFORMANCE METRICS ^^ ❑ Reduction in processing timelines of simple and complex acquisition actions ❑ Availability of information technology systems ^^ ❑ Improvement in the FCC’s information security program and maturity level Fraud, Waste & Abuse Reduce fraud, waste, and abuse across FCC programs and operations through enhanced oversight and enterprise AI-driven efficiencies. c0a1b2d3-4e5f-4a6b-7c8d-9e0f1a2b3c4d 4.3 Fraud, Waste, and Abuse Reduction ~ Implement enhanced oversight mechanisms to promote widespread compliance, deter, detect, and address potential for fraud, waste, and abuse across internal operations and Federal financial assistance programs, and better safeguard taxpayer dollars. ^^ STRATEGIES ^^ Strategy 1: ^^ PERFORMANCE METRICS ^^ ❑ # of enforcement actions taken across FCC programs by type ^^ ❑ Audit opinion from the Commission’s independent financial statement auditors ^^ ❑ % reduction in improper payment error rate across FCC programs ^^ ❑ % of audit findings remediated and closed out 2025-10-01 2030-09-30 2026-07-06 https://docs.fcc.gov/public/attachments/DOC-422816A1.pdf Owen Ambur Owen.Ambur@verizon.net