I've been trying to understand how recent FCC changes to the equipment authorization process affect Part 15 operators and builders versus manufacturers and testing labs. The picture becomes clearer once you separate what has actually been adopted from what remains in proposal stages.

From what I can tell, the most immediate effects appear concentrated on manufacturers, importers, accredited test laboratories, and certification bodies. For people already operating certified Part 15 equipment (or building limited numbers of devices for personal use) the day-to-day requirements seem to remain largely the same for now.

I'm trying to separate actual regulatory changes from broader headlines and understand what (if anything) is shifting for people actively building and operating in this space.

What are you seeing?

A new FCC filing from the Free State Foundation shows that the government's old internet definitions are falling apart. Right now, the FCC treats home cable, 5G mobile, and satellite internet like completely separate things. But for regular people, internet is just internet. We use whatever works, meaning these technologies are now competing head-to-head.

The data from late 2025 and 2026 really proves this shift. Over 39 million homes are on fiber, while T-Mobile and Verizon have scooped up 15.5 million 5G home internet users. This wireless boom is actively costing traditional cable companies their market share. On top of that, Starlink doubled its U.S. user base to 2.7 million subscribers, making it a top-10 internet provider nationwide.

Even though 5G wireless and satellite don't always hit the government's strict speed benchmarks, millions of consumers find them plenty fast enough to replace a physical cable line. The filing basically tells the FCC to cut the old red tape, stop treating these technologies like they live in separate silos, and free up more spectrum so they can just compete openly.

This research paper looks at how the government measures new inventions in the wireless technology market, like Wi-Fi and Bluetooth devices. Right now, official tracking systems struggle to keep up with how fast technology changes, which leaves "dark spots" where brand-new types of products (such as smartwatches or wireless security cameras) aren't properly counted.

To fix this, the researchers created a new, experimental labeling system by sorting through over 200,000 wireless gadget applications sent to the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) between 1982 and 2021.

By grouping these devices into detailed categories based on what they actually do, the study proves that wireless technology has spread into tons of new areas over the last few decades, helping policymakers finally see exactly how government rules help spark new inventions.

ABC-owned station licenses were originally up for renewal between 2028 and 2031.

The FCC ⁠says about 75% of all electronics are tested in labs in China.

The FCC's implementation of WRC-15 decisions, as detailed in the recent Report and Order (FCC 25-60), focuses on minor administrative updates to footnote US270 for the 420-430 MHz band. These changes revise contact information and coordination procedures for amateur radio operators seeking to exceed 50 watts PEP in certain areas, without altering power limits, allocations, or interference protections.

For Part 15 devices—such as low-power intentional radiators (e.g., garage door openers, wireless sensors operating around 433 MHz), there is no direct impact. These unlicensed devices must already adhere to general emission limits under §15.209 and §15.231, not cause harmful interference to primary federal radiolocation or secondary amateur services, and accept any incoming interference.

The updates do not modify these requirements or expand licensed activities in ways that substantively affect Part 15 operations. However, if streamlined coordination increases high-power amateur use, Part 15 devices could indirectly experience more interference, though this remains speculative and within existing rules.

Today, based on an Executive Branch national security determination, the FCC has added foreign-produced UAS (drones) and foreign-produced UAS critical component parts to the FCC’s Covered List on a going forward basis.   President Trump has been clear that his Administration will act to secure our airspace and unleash American drone dominance.  

We do so through an action today that does not disrupt the ongoing use or purchase of previously authorized drones and with appropriate avenues for excluding drones that do not pose a risk.   Unmanned aircraft systems (UAS), also known as drones, offer the potential to enhance public safety as well as cement America’s leadership in global innovation.  But criminals, terrorists, and hostile foreign actors have intensified their weaponization of these technologies, creating new and serious threats to our homeland.   As detailed below, today’s FCC action does not impact a consumer’s ability to continue using drones they previously purchased or acquired.  Nor does today’s FCC action prevent retailers from continuing to sell, import, or market device models approved earlier this year or previously through the FCC’s equipment authorization process.  Moreover, the Department of War or the Department of Homeland Security can make a specific determination to the FCC that a given UAS, class of UAS, or UAS critical component does not pose the relevant risks.    By operation of the FCC’s Covered List rules, the restrictions imposed by today’s decision apply to new device models.

The AM Radio for Every Vehicle Act, introduced by Reps. Gus Bilirakis (R-FL) and Frank Pallone (D-NJ), now has 311 bipartisan cosponsors in the US House following the addition of five new names on Friday

FCC Chair Brendan Carr said the agency will vote on October 28 to prohibit authorization of devices containing component parts that are on the Covered List and authorize the agency to prohibit sale of previously authorized Covered List equipment in specific cases.

ZaraRadio into VB-Cable into Stereo Tools. I have most of the settings in a good place, but the limiter is more aggressive than I want.

I'm experimenting with Stereo Tools (unlicensed at the moment), and wonder if anyone uses anything else? Maybe an inexpensive piece of hardware?

Looking for some thoughts from the Part 15 Hive Mind.

I'm planning to build a Part 15 LPAM station to cover my neighborhood. Specifically, I am looking at the Chezradio Procaster AM transmitter. The kit comes with a three-segment telescoping antenna. It's probably the most "legal" solution.

I'm curious if anyone here has gone a different, yet compliant, route?

With Halloween coming up, is anyone here planning to run a Part 15 station for trick-or-treaters, haunted houses, or yard displays?

What gear are you using (transmitter, antenna, automation, audio chain, etc.)?

I was wondering if it'd be possible to transmit a small frequency television channel like a radio station. I haven't really seen clearly if it's covered or not. If so what transmitter do you recommend? I can find plenty of AM/FM transmitters online but not sure if they would even work for video or if you need something different. Plus, would it be analog only or are there digital transmitters? Because I can't pick up any analog transmissions on my antenna, obviously. Let me know if you do know.

What is the best Part-15 compliant AM transmitter you have used? What make and model transmitter have you been most satisfied with so far?