The Federal Communications Commission has adopted a Public Notice directing the Media Bureau to open the first-ever filing window for new noncommercial educational reserved band FM translator construction permits.
The action was taken February 18, 2026, by Public Notice FCC 26-10 in MB Docket No. 26-20. Chairman Brendan Carr and Commissioners Anna Gomez and Olivia Trusty approved the action, with Chairman Carr issuing a separate statement.
The future filing window will apply to FM translators in the reserved portion of the FM band, 88 to 92 MHz. That portion of the band is set aside for noncommercial educational, community, and public service programming. The FCC said the window will give noncommercial FM stations, LPFM stations, and noncommercial AM stations their first opportunity to obtain new noncommercial reserved band FM translators.
The Commission said it is seeking comment on eligibility requirements and application limits for the window. The FCC has used caps and eligibility restrictions in prior application windows to discourage speculative filings, limit mutually exclusive application conflicts, prevent mass filings, and help speed the processing of applications.
The FCC said the action is intended to support noncommercial broadcasting, strengthen localism, and preserve spectrum for future local and community-focused services. The Commission also said the proposal is designed to ensure fair access to licenses while supporting continued growth of noncommercial service on the FM band.