FCC

Carr Grilled on Broadcasting, Also Testifies on Spectrum and Universal Service

The three-hour hearing was largely focused on broadcast regulation and accusations the agency was pressuring media companies critical of the White House.

Jake Neenan

Jake Neenan

— 5 min read
Carr Grilled on Broadcasting, Also Testifies on Spectrum and Universal Service
Photo of FCC Chairman Brendan Carr and Commissioner Anna Gomez at the House oversight hearing Wednesday by Jose Luis Magana/AP

WASHINGTON, Jan. 14, 2026 – The Federal Communications Commission was urged Wednesday to require wireless carriers bidding in its upcoming spectrum auction to pay for airplane retrofits that will be required to avoid interference.

The Federal Aviation Administration has estimated those will cost about $4.5 billion.

Rep. Jay Obernolte, R-Calif., who has a pilot’s license, made the request as top agency officials testified for nearly three-and-a-half hours Wednesday during a House oversight hearing. 

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FCC Brendan Carr Jay Obernolte Richard Hudson USF

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