Implementation of the Final Acts of the World Radiocommunication Conference (Sharm el-Sheikh, 2019) (WRC-19), Revision to Table Mountain Radio Quiet Zone Field Strength Limits
In this document, the Federal Communications Commission (Commission or FCC) proposes to modify the Commission's rules to implement certain spectrum allocation decisions from the International Telecommunication Union's World Radiocommunication Conference's 2019 Final Acts concerning portions of the radio spectrum between 495 kHz and 50.9 GHz, make other allocation changes, and make related updates to our service rules in this frequency range. These proposals are designed to harmonize our spectrum allocations with and conform our rules to the World Radiocommunication's 2019 Final Acts to the extent that doing so would better meet domestic requirements.
What this rule actually says
The FCC is updating radio spectrum rules to match international agreements from 2019. Basically, it's rewriting which frequencies different devices (like WiFi routers, cell towers, and industrial equipment) are allowed to use in the U.S., and adjusting signal strength limits in a protected area near Table Mountain in South Africa. This is a *proposed* rule—it hasn't been finalized yet.
Who it applies to
- If building AI products that use radio frequencies or wireless signals: This applies. Examples include devices that transmit data via 4G/5G, WiFi, or proprietary wireless protocols.
- If building AI products with no wireless transmission (pure software, cloud-based chatbots, local models): This does not apply to you.
- Jurisdiction: Only matters if selling hardware in the U.S. or operating transmitting equipment on U.S. soil.
- The Table Mountain Radio Quiet Zone component: Only applies if operating transmitting equipment near Table Mountain, South Africa—almost certainly not relevant for indie founders.
What founders need to do
- Check if your hardware transmits radio signals (1 hour). Does your AI product use WiFi, Bluetooth, cellular, or any wireless protocol? If no, stop here—this doesn't affect you.
- Monitor the FCC docket (ongoing, minimal effort). Since this is still proposed, watch for the final rule. The FCC's website will show when it's adopted. Set a calendar reminder for mid-2026.
- If you do use wireless, review frequency use (2-3 days). Confirm which radio frequencies your hardware currently operates on. Cross-reference against the updated FCC rules once finalized to ensure compliance.
- Consult FCC equipment certification (1-2 days). If selling wireless hardware in the U.S., you likely already need FCC certification. The new rules may affect which devices pass certification—discuss with your compliance partner or RF engineer.
- Budget for potential redesign (if needed). In worst case, the new spectrum allocations could require hardware changes. This is rare for mainstream frequencies, but plan for it if using less common bands.
Bottom line
Monitor, don't panic yet—this rule is proposed, not final, and only matters if your AI product includes wireless hardware transmitting in the U.S. Pure software founders can ignore it entirely.