Insights
Search Results
Alerts
5.08.26
FCC Sets New Satellite Spectrum Sharing Framework
On April 30, 2026, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) adopted an Order fundamentally revising how satellite systems share spectrum in the Ku and Ka bands, replacing the decades-old Equivalent Power Flux Density (EPFD) limits with a performance-based coordination framework for managing interference between geostationary (GSO) and non-geostationary (NGSO) satellite systems. By reforming the EPFD regime, the FCC has removed a longstanding regulatory constraint that was developed to protect GSO systems but has arguably limited NGSO operators’ ability to deliver high-speed, low-latency broadband services.
Alerts
3.30.26
Re-Routing the Market: FCC Adds Foreign-Produced Consumer Routers to Its Covered List
On March 23, 2026, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) added consumer-grade routers produced in foreign countries to its Covered List (Router Action), with limited exceptions for routers that have been granted a Conditional Approval by the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD), also referred to as the U.S. Department of War (DoW), or the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS).
Alerts
1.16.26
Not All Drones After All: FCC Exempts Certain Foreign-Made Drones and Critical Components from Covered List and Issues Guidance for DoW and DHS Conditional Approvals
On January 7, 2026, the U.S. Department of Defense, also referred to as the U.S. Department of War (DoW), and the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) issued several follow-on items to the FCC’s December 2025 action that had added all new models of foreign-made uncrewed aircraft systems (UAS) and their critical components to the FCC’s Covered List (Drone Action). If left intact, that action would have functionally banned all new models of foreign-produced drones and their critical components from being imported or sold in the U.S. Instead, these new items substantially update—and clarify—the scope of the Drone Action.
Alerts
1.05.26
FCC Restricts Authorization of Foreign-Made Drones and Critical Components
On December 22, 2025, in a surprising and unprecedented action, the Public Safety and Homeland Security Bureau of the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) added to the FCC’s Covered List new models of foreign-made uncrewed aircraft systems (UAS)—commonly referred to as drones—as well as the critical components of these drones. This action effectively bans the importation, marketing, and sale of all such drones and components in the U.S. This client alert unpacks the key issues and questions around the FCC’s action.
Alerts
12.16.25
Trump Administration Issues Executive Order on National AI Policy and Deregulation
On December 11, 2025, the White House issued an Executive Order (EO), “Ensuring a National Policy Framework for Artificial Intelligence,” that establishes a new federal policy on artificial intelligence (AI). The EO states that it is “the policy of the United States to sustain and enhance the United States’ global AI dominance through a minimally burdensome national policy framework for AI.” The EO asserts that leadership in AI is critical to U.S. national and economic security and dominance and that “AI companies must be free to innovate without cumbersome regulation.” To accomplish this, the EO seeks to challenge “onerous” state AI laws through various federal actions.
Client Advisories
10.27.25
FCC Spotlight: Inside the FCC’s Expanding National Security Mandate
From satellites to medical devices, wireless networks to printers, a new national security regulator has come to town: the Federal Communications Commission (FCC). Leveraging its traditional authorities as a regulator of spectrum, communications services, and consumer protection, the FCC has increasingly used its ability to govern entry into those sectors to impose new national security requirements for doing business in the U.S. in recent years. Parties who intentionally emit radiofrequency communications—everyone from satellites to Bluetooth devices—and those who unintentionally do so—i.e., makers of electronic devices of all stripes—should take heed.
Bylined Articles
10.22.25
Blake Brief: Solar Harvesting in the High Frontier
SatMagazine’s latest Blake Brief article, “Solar Harvesting in the High Frontier,” highlights recent breakthroughs in launch technology and high-efficiency solar cells, along with how the potential for large-scale, in-orbit maintenance, has renewed the interest in space-based solar power (SBSP). Proponents believe SBSP could provide a sustainable energy source with competitive pricing and lower emissions compared to traditional methods, while critics caution that the technology still faces substantial viability challenges and could introduce new environmental risks.
Bylined Articles
9.10.25
The Blake Brief: The FCC’s Final Frontier Agenda
SatMagazine’s latest Blake Brief article, “The FCC’s Final Frontier Agenda,” examines the FCC’s initiative to unlock 20,000 MHz of spectrum for satellite operations, a significant move aimed at enhancing satellite communication capabilities. This proposal is part of the FCC’s broader “Final Frontiers” agenda to promote “spectrum abundance” and secure U.S. leadership in the NewSpace economy.
Bylined Articles
6.16.25
The Blake Brief: FCC Eyes Overhaul of Ka- and Ku-Band Satellite Spectrum Sharing Rules
SatMagazine’s latest Blake Brief article, “FCC Eyes Overhaul of Ka- and Ku-Band Satellite Spectrum Sharing Rules,” discusses the Federal Communications Commission's (FCC) draft Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) aimed at reviewing the spectrum-sharing framework between geostationary and non-geostationary (NGSO) satellite systems. This initiative, championed by FCC Chairman Brendan Carr, aims to modernize regulations that have not kept pace with the rapid growth of the satellite industry, particularly from NGSO operators. The NPRM considers a petition from NGSOs to eliminate outdated equivalent power flux density limits, which have sparked significant debate among satellite operators.
News Articles
3.12.25
Foreign Investment Watch Names Joshua Gruenspecht and Stephen Heifetz Among “Top Advisors 2025”
On March 11, 2025, Foreign Investment Watch named Wilson Sonsini partners Joshua Gruenspecht and Stephen Heifetz to its “Top Advisors 2025” list, recognizing top advisors who provide advice and counsel concerning foreign investment and national security in the U.S. and abroad. Josh and Stephen are among the 40 individuals selected to the list, and their accompanying profiles describe the depth of their practices and expertise.
Client Highlights
3.05.25
Wilson Sonsini Advises Alianza on Acquisition of Metaswitch
On March 4, 2025, Alianza, Inc., the world’s first cloud-orchestrated, AI-powered communications platform dedicated to service providers, announced the completion of its acquisition of Metaswitch from Microsoft, executing on the Definitive Agreement announced in December 2024. Financing of the transaction was provided by existing Alianza investors and a syndicate of commercial banks led by Wells Fargo. Wilson Sonsini Goodrich & Rosati advised Alianza on the transaction.
The combined offerings of Metaswitch and Alianza will enable service providers to close a massive gap in their ability to grow services revenue and improve operational efficiency by modernizing core networks, unlocking new innovative offerings, and ultimately transforming network operations. With the close of this transaction, Alianza will serve a combined customer base of more than 1,000 communication service providers, including 19 of the top 20 global operators. Alianza will continue to support Metaswitch’s existing product offerings while integrating its cloud-native technology into a unified product portfolio.
The Wilson Sonsini team that advised Alianza on the transaction includes:
The combined offerings of Metaswitch and Alianza will enable service providers to close a massive gap in their ability to grow services revenue and improve operational efficiency by modernizing core networks, unlocking new innovative offerings, and ultimately transforming network operations. With the close of this transaction, Alianza will serve a combined customer base of more than 1,000 communication service providers, including 19 of the top 20 global operators. Alianza will continue to support Metaswitch’s existing product offerings while integrating its cloud-native technology into a unified product portfolio.
The Wilson Sonsini team that advised Alianza on the transaction includes: